Global Hygiene Council is now recommending hand hygiene practices to prevent spread of flu and virus infections. Washing hands frequently with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds and washing hands thoroughly after contact with an ill person, are the most effective and powerful tools against many infections. The council emphasizes that these simple and easy practices are adaptable by every individual and are exercisable both inside and outside the home.

A study conducted in 2009 by the Global Hygiene Council and Dettol manufacturer, Reckitt Benckiser reveals the poor levels of hand-hygiene amongst Indians. The study showed that lack of personal hygiene among people leads to being exposed to common infections like flu including H1N1 virus. Only 42 per cent of Indians are aware that hand washing is an effective way to prevent the spread of flu and viruses. Around 29 per cent in India do not wash their hands properly after coughing or sneezing and 70 per cent do not wash hands for the recommended duration. Further, nearly three in five (59 per cent) parents admitted that their children may not wash their hands in between meal snacking.

As part of the education drive, Global Hygiene Council along with Reckitt Benckiser has been undertaking workshops across the country reaching out to doctors and school children, impart the basic education on hand hygiene and personal hygiene. As part of the workshop, simple aspects like "6 steps of hand-washing" were demonstrated and taught. Over 2,700 doctors have been a part of the programme in Delhi, Jaipur, Baroda, Calcutta and Trivandrum.

"Good hand hygiene is the first line of defence against spread of many illnesses. We at Global Hygiene Council are working towards providing the public with the knowledge and tools to enable them to protect themselves and their families from infection and illness by practicing proper hand hygiene," said Dr Narendra Saini, India representative, Global Hygiene Council.

Releasing a book on the recommendations and results, on behalf of Dettol, Chander Mohan Sethi, chairman and managing director of Reckitt Benckiser (India) Ltd, said, "The results of the studies conducted bring out the reality of hand hygiene standards amongst people from across socio-economic strata. There has never been a more important time to re-look at our hand hygiene habits, for hands are the key carrier of germs that spread infections, and good hand hygiene is the one tool within easy reach to everyone, that can reduce the risk of infection."

Hand hygiene standards in India compared poorly against respondents from other countries like US, UK, Germany, Austriala and South Africa. However, Indian hand hygiene standards were better than respondents from Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

"It is becoming even more imperative to go back to the basics - to teach one and all, how hygiene above all, is a fundamental habit that can prevent illnesses. We at IMA are committed to promoting good hygiene practices in India and appreciate the work being done by Dettol in this regard," said Dr Anil Kumar, honorary secretary, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Karnataka.