PRIMARY school children are being taught how good hand hygiene can stop the spread of coughs, colds and even swine flu.
The Health Protection Agency is sending out 3,500 copies of the "Hands up for Max" scheme throughout Merseyside and the North-West.
The teaching pack features an animated character called Max and was designed in discussion with teachers, pupils and school nurses.
Professor Qutub Syed, Director of the HPA, 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."
Heather Hardy, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator for the North-West, said: "This resource will be very useful for schools to promote good hand hygiene and we’re delighted so many schools have requested packs."We think this will be a fun and engaging way for schools to help get the message across how important hand washing is and help us improve hygiene. "
