Date Posted: 14.01.2012

With Christmas behind us, the topic of Summer holidays are looming! For those of you who may be concerned about travelling due to virusus which can spread quickly through hotels and cruise-ships, there is a product which, when trialled by Holland America cruise line, found that 'norovirus' all but disappeared. Boots Anti Viral Hand Foam (alcohol free, manufactured by Byotrol) is a hand sanitiser that works more effectively than traditional sanitisers because as well as killing germs on your hands, it gives ongoing protection against 99.9% of viruses and harmful bacteria for up to six hours.

Norovirus is contracted by touching surfaces such as stair rails, lift buttons and salad servers which have been infected by a previous users. Another common way to ctach the virus is to shake hands with some-one who has recently coughed into their hand.

The best way to avoid catching nirovirus is to be scrupulous about hand hygiene. Wash your hands for at least 10 seconds in soap and warm water before eating anything. Steer clear of open buffets or take food from the back of the dish.

Private Home Care has leaflets which demonstrate how to wash your hands effectively. If you would like some to put in your bathroom, please don't hesitate to contact us for copies (free of charge).

(note : this article appeared in the travel supplement of the Daily Telegraph, January 14th 2012.)