Health tip of the day: wash your hands for 20 seconds

A light drizzle will not remove germs

We’re heading into flu season soon, and while you don’t need to carry your antibacterial gel around obsessively, it helps to be mindful when you are actually washing your hands.

A light drizzle of water won’t do you much good at all. You need to start by rinsing your hands under the tap, then use soap and warm water, and rub your hands for 15 to 20 seconds before rinsing again.

If you do find yourself with a bout of the sniffles, ignore your mammy’s advice to cover your mouth with your hands when coughing or sneezing and try to always cough or sneeze into your elbow. This avoid your hands spreading germs before you’ve had a chance to wash them.