Arab Hygiene Council members have discussed the leading health and hygiene issues currently impacting the Middle East community, including the spread of the cold and flu viruses and the measures people need to take in order to keep illnesses at bay.
Study results, showed that the majority of respondents (60 per cent) believed that the toilet flush handle harbours the most bacteria of any other surfaces at home when in fact kitchen sinks and surfaces have more germs.
Education about good hygiene practices was emphasised at the AHC meeting to be key to raising hygiene standards at home, work and schools.
According to Dr Ola Mira, AHC member and head of occupational health and safety at the Ministry of Health said: “In addition to the home, the workplace is another high-risk environment for the spreading of germs, given the number of people working in close proximity. Many daily activities such as travelling on public transport or choosing to go to work despite having an illness or infection can leave workers vulnerable and impact their productivity. Understanding how germs spread is a vital first step in helping to maintain a cleaner, more hygienic work and home environment”.
The AHC members concluded that the best way for germs to be kept at bay is through regular hand washing.
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