As well as a GP, Dr Hilary Jones is a television and radio presenter, a writer on medical issues and also writes a weekly column for the News of the World dealing with medical problems and health issues.
He answers readers health questions, writes for in the newspaper's Sunday Magazine as well as readers' health problems in Rosemary Conley's Diet and Fitness magazine, and edits and contributes to his own magazine Family Healthcare with Dr Hilary Jones.
Dr Hilary Jones has written a number of books on health, and recorded supplementary relaxation tapes and health videos. In August 2009 Dr Hilary Jones released the semi-autobiographical book, What's Up Doc?
Question & Answer section with Dr Hilary Jones
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How often should I wash my hands?
It is important to wash your hands regularly, for example before eating and after going to the toilet, to prevent against germs and viruses. It is even more important during the winter months when there are more bugs around.
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How long should I spend washing my hands?
It is recommended you should spend between 10 and 15 seconds washing your hands, the time it takes to sing the first verse of the national anthem! Click here for tips on how to wash your hands thoroughly.
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How do I know if my hands are clean?
Simply by washing them. Or if you're out and about and can't get to a sink, use anti-bacterial products such as Wet Ones Cleansing hand wipes, which kill and remove 99.9% of bacteria.
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How can clean hands help prevent illnesses?
If someone coughs or sneezes into their hand, germs / viruses are easily transferred to surfaces that the person touches, such as door handles, hand rails, phones and keyboards. If you touch these surfaces and touch your face, the virus can enter your system and you can become infected.
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Why do I need clean hands to keep flu at bay?
Cold and flu viruses are contained in the millions of tiny droplets that come out of the nose and mouth when someone coughs or sneezes. These droplets are typically spread about one metre (3ft) and hang suspended in the air for a while, but then land on surfaces, where the virus can survive for up to 24 hours, meaning other people can easily pick them up.
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What surfaces am I likely to pick up germs or viruses from?
Everyday surfaces and items at home and in public places may be contaminated with germs and viruses. These include food, door handles, lift buttons, sideboards, tables, chairs, escalators, ATM key pads, the remote control, hand rails and computer keyboards.
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Why is hand hygiene so important?
Preventing the spread of germs is the most effective way to slow the spread of diseases and keeping your hands clean is the first line of defence. Not always easy when you are out and about, so try using products like Wet Ones Cleansing hand wipes which kill 99.9% of bacteria and are easy to use when you’re on the go. Simple steps such as ensuring your hands are washed regularly with soap and water, cleaning surfaces to get rid of germs and using tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze will help prevent the spread of viruses.
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There’s lots of different so called ‘germ busting’ products on the market, I am confused which ones are the best to use. What’s the difference between products such as Wet Ones and hand sanitizers?
Wet Ones Cleansing hand wipes kill 99.9% of bacteria just like hand sanitizers, plus they also wipe away the dirt and mess which hand sanitizers do not.
