
Flu season is here, and it's bringing more than just sniffles and sore throats. It’s putting your health—and the health of everyone around you—at serious risk. With NHS services already stretched thin, the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly dire. In December 2024, over 2.34 million people visited A&E across England, highlighting the tremendous pressure on our healthcare system. But that's not all: infection rates are skyrocketing, and the flu virus is spreading rapidly through crowded public spaces. How much longer can we afford to ignore the risks?
The reality is stark: Without proper prevention measures, we are all at risk—and winter viruses like the flu are just the beginning. Hospitals, schools, offices, and public spaces are breeding grounds for germs. But there’s one simple, powerful solution that can significantly reduce the spread of harmful viruses: hand sanitiser stations. And here’s why you need them now more than ever.

Flu Season: A Growing Threat to Public Health
Every winter, flu season strains our already-overloaded healthcare system, but this year, the threat feels more urgent than ever. The NHS reports an alarming increase in demand, with emergency departments already overwhelmed. The latest NHS statistics show a 5% increase in ambulance calls from last year and over 2.34 million A&E visits in December alone. As hospitals get overcrowded, treatment delays are inevitable, leading to even greater health risks.
The flu virus doesn’t wait for you to act. It spreads quickly in shared spaces—grocery stores, schools, transport hubs, and even the workplace. The NHS reported that 71.1% of patients weren't seen in under 4 hours in December 2024, highlighting just how overburdened our healthcare system is. Do you really want to take the risk of getting infected, or worse, infecting others around you?

The Silent Danger of Infected Surfaces
The worst part? You can't see the viruses that are lurking on the surfaces around you. Whether it’s a door handle, a shared desk, or the handrails on public transport, you’re constantly in contact with high-risk surfaces. The flu virus can live on these surfaces for hours, waiting to be transferred to your hands and then to your face—directly into your body. The risk of exposure is too high, and the consequences of ignoring the need for protection are severe.

The Solution: Hand Sanitiser Stations
The good news is that there is an effective solution: hand sanitiser stations. By installing hand sanitiser stations in high-traffic areas, you can create a barrier to prevent the spread of harmful viruses. The NHS’s most recent data shows a rise in infections and emergency care demand. Now, it’s more important than ever to take action.
Here's how sanitiser stations can protect you and your community:
Stop the Spread of Germs: A quick squirt of hand sanitiser can kill viruses and bacteria, preventing them from spreading to others. This is especially important during flu season when the virus is highly contagious.
Easy and Convenient: Touchless sanitising dispensers make it easy for everyone to sanitise their hands regularly, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and keeping the environment clean.
Protect Your Community: Hand sanitisers create a proactive approach to hygiene that benefits everyone. Whether you’re at a school, office, or hospital, making sanitiser stations accessible reduces the chances of an outbreak.
Here at Palmtree Hygiene, we care about your health and the health of your community. Prevention is the best defence—especially during flu season—and we’re here to provide you with high-quality sanitising solutions. Don’t wait for the flu season to overwhelm your area—take control now and help stop the spread of harmful viruses. Click here to learn more.
Conclusion
The flu season is upon us, and the risks are higher than ever. With NHS resources stretched thin, the best way to protect your health and the health of others is by acting now to prevent the spread of infection. Hand sanitiser stations are a simple yet incredibly effective way to reduce the transmission of viruses. Don’t wait until it’s too late—take action now, and help us create a safer, healthier environment for everyone.
Statistics sourced from NHS Monthly Operational Statistics – January 2025.