Seasonal flu is the most common infectious disease that people worldwide fear, according to a global survey across 18 countries including India.
The study conducted by Global Hygiene Council said that of over 18,000 adults surveyed, at least 75 per cent of adults dread seasonal flu with concern varying greatly from at least 95 per cent from India to just 54 per cent in Germany.
However, in India, says the ‘Global Infection Challenge Survey 2013’, the top three concerns are illnesses that cause seasonal colds (47.3 per cent), skin infections (37.1 per cent) and seasonal flu (31.9 per cent).
In UK, it is stomach upset (such as E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella), diarrhoea and vomiting (33 per cent) and staph infection (30 per cent). While the priorities in Nigeria are seasonal colds (49 per cent), waterborne illnesses (e.g. Cholera and Typhoid) (44 per cent) and skin infections (42 per cent), says the survey.
Despite these differences, the one common theme is the important role that hygiene has in all countries in helping control and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Professor John Oxford, Chairman of the Hygiene Council said, “It is clear from our latest study that the infectious disease concerns of members of the public vary considerably, depending upon the country they live in…” Despite these differences, it appears universally recognised that good hygiene is an important way to stop the spread of infectious diseases. Simple hygiene measures, such as handwashing with soap before handling and eating food and after using the toilet, and targeted surface disinfection are essential in helping to break the chain of infection.”
Dr Narendra Saini, India Representative GHC added, “It is also apparent that the home is consistently seen as the least risky place for picking up infectious diseases.
“However, we know that infectious diseases, including respiratory illnesses like influenza and foodborne illnesses, such as Salmonella, are regularly transmitted in the home between family members, through improperly cooked food and via contamination from unhygienic kitchen surfaces.”
Overall, 68 per cent of adults think public transport is one of the riskiest places for picking up infectious diseases, compared to just 11 per cent who view the home as risky, as per the survey.