Beat the Bugs Community Course

Beat the Bugs is a six-week community hygiene course aiming to equip people with information to keep themselves and others healthy by preventing the spread of infection and learning about treating infections.

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Course Structure

The course comprises of six sessions covering an 'introduction to microbes'; 'hand and respiratory hygiene'; 'food hygiene'; 'oral hygiene'; 'antibiotics'; and a final session on 'self-care and action planning for the future'. The resources can also be used as individual sessions or incorporated into a broader 'life skills' course.

Meet the Bugs

This session gives an overview of microbes. Participants are introduced to the world of microbes, firstly by exploring the different types and shapes of microbes and then, by discussing different useful and harmful microbes.

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Spreading Bugs

This session gives an overview of the spread of infection including how microbes are spread through sneezing and how proper hand washing with soap can break the chain of infection.

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Food Bugs

Participants learn how easily potentially harmful microbes on raw food can transfer to humans. The interactive quiz shows how to prepare food safely and the food labelling activity demonstrates what is meant by the food labels shown on foods.

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Mouth Bugs

This session covers how to prevent tooth decay by demonstrating the importance of limiting sugar intake and brushing teeth twice a day. Participants can also look at the sugar content in foods and drinks.

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Bug Busters

During this session, participants will learn what antibiotics are, when to take antibiotics and how to take antibiotics correctly. A demonstration will introduce antibiotic resistance and a participant activity will show how easily antibiotic resistant bacteria spread.

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Know your Bugs

In this session, participants will learn how to self-care at home for common infections. The aim of the session is to empower participants to make decisions on their own health and to get participants thinking about their own antibiotic use.

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Collaborating Organisations

Beat the Bugs was developed in collaboration with Kingfisher Treasure Ltd., Cardiff University, and Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry. You can find out more about other collaborations with organisations on our partner page.