Hand hygiene is extremely important to protect against infection. Make sure that everyone washes or sanitises their hands before touching your baby. Alcohol gel is useful for when you are out and about. Do not expose your baby to visitors with cold or flu symptoms. If you have a cold or flu symptoms yourself do not over handle your baby and avoid kissing or sneezing over them. If you sneeze, use a disposable tissue to catch the sneeze and dispose; then wash or sanitise your hands. The cold and other respiratory viruses spread through droplets produced when you sneeze. Always use disposable tissues to wipe your baby’s runny nose. If your baby has sticky eyes, use cotton wool and cooled boiled water to clean. Ask your baby’s nurse to teach you. Clean toys, work surfaces and high-chairs regularly. If you have children who attend crèche or school, ensure that they do not over-handle your preterm baby. Ask the school to keep you informed of any outbreaks of childhood illnesses. You need to be extra careful of viral flu-like infections, especially during the flu season from October to March. If your baby is born from October to March, it may be necessary for you or those caring for your baby to receive the flu vaccination – check with their GP. Babies can receive the flu vaccine from 6 months of age. Consult your baby’s doctor if planning to travel by plane or abroad with your baby. If your baby is bottle fed, it is important to prepare and handle feeds safely. Ask staff for further information. Follow the advice regarding contagious diseases and cold sores in the section ‘Protecting your baby from infection’ LINK.