Government Launches Campaign to Promote Good Hygiene

A new campaign is being launched in the province to help prevent the spread of colds and influenza during the peak respiratory infection season. The campaign, Clean, Cover and Contain, reminds people that three simple principles of personal hygiene will help keep them healthy and prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses to other people.

The Clean, Cover and Contain campaign communicates three key messages: 1. Clean your hands frequently and effectively; 2. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your arm; and, 3. Contain your infection by staying home if you feel ill. The campaign consists of print and radio ads as well as posters for workplaces and schools. Three separate posters have been designed for adults, teenagers and children.

�Infection control starts at the most basic level � good personal hygiene practices,� said the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Health and Community Services. �Through this public education campaign we are promoting the practice of good respiratory hygiene techniques as part of everyone�s daily practice.�

Some viruses can live on surfaces for up to 72 hours. As the hands are always in contact with the environment, viruses and bacteria can be spread when fingers come into contact with a person�s mouth, nose or eyes. Research indicates that individuals can significantly reduce their risk of becoming ill with a cold or influenza just by washing their hands properly and regularly. In addition, using an arm or a disposable tissue to cover coughs and sneezes prevents these germs from spraying into the air where others in close contact can breathe them in and catch the infection. As well, once an individual experiences symptoms of a cold or flu, staying home is the best measure to prevent the spread of the illness and help the individual recover.

The influenza virus is passed easily from one person to another. Symptoms include rapid onset of fever, dry cough, headache, chills and general body aches and pains. Most people who get influenza will be sick for about a week but will recover completely. Persons with chronic diseases or those with a weaker immune system (such as the very young and the very old) may take longer to recover and are more likely to suffer from complications of influenza including pneumonia and death.

�Influenza season occurs every year and in this province we usually see cases beginning in December and continuing through to April,� said Dr. Faith Stratton, chief medical officer of health for the province. �By keeping our hands clean, covering our coughs and sneezes, and by staying home when we are ill, we are not only helping to keep ourselves from becoming sick but also helping to prevent the spread to others. In addition, getting an annual flu shot is an effective way to prevent influenza and it associated complications.�

Posters will be distributed to schools, government offices and health care facilities early in the new year. Any employers wishing to obtain the posters for their workplace are encouraged to do so by downloading the electronic file directly from the department web site at www.gov.nl.ca/health

�Our government is committed to strengthening resources for public health to maintain the safety and well-being of the people of our province,� said Minister Osborne. �This year, government invested $4.7 million in Budget 2006 to create a stronger public health system in this province that supports the integration of population health assessment, health surveillance, disease and injury prevention, health promotion and health protection.�

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