An online program helps reduce infections
Posted on: 08/Aug/2015 10:17:36 AM
A new study published in The Lancet, has said that online programs can help reduce the risk of catching and transferring the flu.
Researchers at the University go Southampton held a randomised trial of more than 16,000 households in the United Kingdom. These groups were made to use a program called PRIMIT. The program had four weekly sessions that educate the user about hand washing. It used medical evidence and taught users simple techniques while monitoring hand washing behaviour.
Those who used the program had fewer gastrointestinal infections. They also visited their doctors fewer times and received fewer antibiotic prescriptions.
Said a researcher, A simple, cheap internet programme could help slash the risk of catching respiratory infections by around 14 percent. This could have an important impact on reducing the spread of these viruses in the general population, and also help reduce the pressure on NHS services during the winter months.
