Public Health Agency urges families to prioritise hand hygiene on days out

Ahead of World Hand Hygiene Day (5 May), the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on families across Northern Ireland to take simple but vital steps to protect their health during spring and summer outings.

With warmer weather encouraging trips to farms, parks and swimming pools, the PHA is reminding the public of the critical importance of regular and thorough handwashing – especially when in contact with animals or using recreational water facilities.

Caroline McGeary, Infection Prevention and Control Lead Nurse at the PHA, emphasised the risks posed by poor hygiene during these activities:

“The spring and summer months are filled with days out with the family, but we want people to have pleasant memories, so it’s important for the whole family to practise good personal hygiene by washing their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and hot running water when out and about.”

Dangers of Animal Contact and Waterborne Illnesses

Many common family destinations, such as petting farms, pose potential health hazards. Animals can carry organisms that are easily transmitted to humans, especially young children.

McGeary highlighted two notable culprits:

“All animals naturally carry a range of organisms, some of which can be transmitted to humans and can potentially cause severe infection, particularly in young children. For example, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and cryptosporidium are easily passed from animals to children, and symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea.”

She further warned:

“Cryptosporidium is another organism which causes an infection of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps and watery diarrhoea. Cryptosporidium is a leading cause of infectious diarrhoea in humans in the UK and can occur through contaminated recreational waters, including swimming pools.”

PHA’s Hand Hygiene Guidelines for a Safer Day Out

To help prevent the spread of infection, the PHA has issued the following hygiene advice:

When visiting farms:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry using paper towels after animal contact or touching surfaces.

• Always wash hands before eating or drinking and after using the toilet.

For swimming and water activities:

• Avoid swimming if you currently have or have recently had (within 48 hours) diarrhoea.

• Take a shower before entering the pool.

• Wash hands after using the toilet or changing nappies.

• Ensure babies and young children wear swimming nappies and take regular toilet breaks.

• Refrain from swallowing pool water.

While antibacterial hand gels and wipes may offer convenience, the PHA notes that they should not be considered a replacement for handwashing with soap and running water.

“Antibacterial hand gels and wipes are not a substitute for washing hands, as gels and wipes may not adequately remove germs and bugs in the way that soap and running water can. However, using such gels after hand washing with soap and water may reduce the risk of picking up these infections,” the agency advised.

Role of Parents and Guardians

The PHA is also urging adults to supervise children’s hygiene practices closely to ensure they are properly carried out.

“A responsible adult should always supervise children’s personal hygiene to make sure it is carried out properly. By being aware and by taking some simple steps, we can all help to avoid illness and enjoy a fun day out,” concluded Caroline McGeary.

As families prepare to make the most of the warmer months, the PHA’s message is clear: simple hygiene practices are essential for protecting public health and ensuring happy, healthy memories this spring and summer.