Wash, Wipe, Cover Tips

Being struck down with a cold, the flu or gastroenteritis is unpleasant and disruptive. Many of these common infectious diseases are spread by germs on our hands.

You can reduce the risk of getting sick or passing infections on to others by:

  • washing your hands, particularly after going to the toilet or handling used tissues
  • wiping down frequently touched surfaces
  • covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.

It is also important to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or handling food, until you have washed your hands. Avoid contact with others if you are sick and if others are sick, keep your distance as much as possible.

By following these simple steps you will help yourself, your family, friends and work colleagues to slow the transmission of colds, flu and gastro.

If you would like more information about stopping the spread of germs, please see the Wash, Wipe, Cover information brochure (PDF 908KB) and supporting fact sheet (PDF 158KB). For additional resources, see the Wash, Wipe, Cover resources page.