SIR – An alarming piece of research has been published showing many of us either fail to wash our hands after going to the toilet or fail to do so adequately.

Bugs remain on our hands ready to pass on viruses – diarrhoea, vomiting, colds and flu.

As one health protection consultant puts it, people should always wash their hands after using the toilet, before eating or handling food and after handling animals.

And remember to cover all cuts and scratches with a waterproof dressing.

You would have thought that was obvious but apparently not.

LUKE ALBARIN, Worcester.