‘Hands up’ to stop the spread of colds and flu in schools

16 November 2009

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) is helping primary schools across the Yorkshire and Humber region to teach children that good hand hygiene can stop the spread of coughs, colds and even swine flu.

'Hands up for Max' is a hand washing school resource produced by the HPA and is being sent to more than 2,000 primary schools across the Yorkshire and Humber region and 18,000 schools across England from November.

Dr Stephen Morton, Regional Director of the HPA in the Yorkshire and Humber region, said: "Washing your hands properly is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the spread of infections like coughs, colds, norovirus and the flu. Young children are at particular risk of contracting and transmitting these sorts of illnesses."

The pack features an animated character called Max and was designed in discussion with teachers, pupils and school nurses. The pack links in with the school curriculum areas (Key Stages 1 & 2): PSHE and Science and Art and Design through short lesson plans, animation and an art competition.

Dr Louise Coole, Healthy Schools Coordinator for HPA Yorkshire and Humber region, said:
"Good hygiene practice in schools can reduce the spread of illness, with hand hygiene an important part of this.

"Hands up for Max will help to develop hygiene habits in childhood and we hope will influence behaviour in the long term."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For further information on the Hands up for Max resources, go to www.handsupformax.com

Issued by Charlotte Farrar
Charlotte.farrar@hpa.org.uk
0113 284 0618
07810 684 104

Last reviewed: 16 November 2009