More than half of people in the South West (56%) think there should be more measures in place to control infection, according to research conducted by hand dryer manufacturer Sterillo.

Nearly a third (32%) of the region said they worried if they got sick treatment from the NHS wouldn’t be available.

Despite these concerns four in ten (40%) people in the South West admitted that they have gone to work when they have been ill and possibly contagious.

Handwashing correctly is another problem. Despite 72% of respondents saying they had been shown how to wash their hands properly, 58% do not wash them for 20 seconds or more - the minimum amount of time required to clean hands effectively to avoid spreading germs.

Just under half (48%) admitted they sometimes forget, or are too busy to wash their hands after they go to the toilet.