October 18, 2010 1.04 pm This story is over 161 months old

NHS call to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’

A tissue? NHS Lincolnshire are pushing out the Catch it, Bin it, Kill it campaign in order to reduce flu cases.

NHS Lincolnshire is urging Lincolnites to remember to Catch it, Bin it, Kill it this winter, to avoid spreading influenzas and other viruses around.

Studies have shown that a sneeze can travel over one meter at 100mph, and survives for up to 24 hours on surfaces.

This is why any sneeze should be caught in a tissue and binned, a well as hands being washed afterwards.

These steps will contain and/or kill the bacteria in the sneeze, stopping it spreading to other people.

Director of Public Health for NHS Lincolnshire Dr Tony Hill said: “Most of us suffer from cold and flu symptoms at some point during the winter months.

“These germs can spread very easily, putting everyone at risk of infection.

“However, this risk can be greatly reduced by making sure you carry a disposable tissue to catch your sneezes, throw the tissue in a bin, and kill the germs by washing your hands with soap and water.

“More importantly, we are asking parents to teach their children to ‘Catch it, Bin it, Kill it’,” Hill added.

“Colds and flu are caused by viruses so antibiotics will not help. Prevention is the best course of action, but if you do get symptoms visit your pharmacist for symptom relief like paracetamol and ibuprofen.”

There will also be flu vaccination clinics around the city for anyone in “at risk” groups, such as the elderly or asthmatics.

Source: NHS Lincolnshire | Photo: Bami