Jan 10th, 2012
Hand Hygiene Key to Fighting the Flu
The CDC is indicating that flu season may be upon us for this year. This provides the perfect setting for a simple reminder of the need for hand hygiene. Viral illnesses like the flu are spread from person to person, most commonly through direct contact. It is important to remember that many times co-workers come to work when they are first experiencing symptoms but are already contagious. Our hands represent the most common point of contact between ourselves and others, making hand hygiene a first line of defense and protection.
Washing with warm water and soap remains a key component of hand hygiene. Hand sanitizers provide a reliable option when it is impossible or impractical to wash between each potential contamination. As a physician and research scientist with an interest in infection prevention, I feel that it is important to consider the following when choosing an appropriate hand sanitizer:
How long does the sanitizer offer protection? Alcohol based sanitizers provide the shortest period of protection overall and different products have unique characteristics that may enhance coverage against recontamination.
Does the sanitizer dry out the skin resulting in additional cracks and irritations? These minor injuries not only discourage use of a sanitizer often enough, but actually increase your risk of problems.
Does the sanitizer burn or sting when applied? Pain when applying is likely to decrease your usage and leave you vulnerable to further infection.
Is the sanitizer really a sanitizer? Sanitizers are regulated through the FDA either as drug applications or via monograph. An easy check is to review the label. If the label does not have an active drug listing for an antiseptic or antimicrobial component, then chances are, it is NOT a sanitizer.
Dr. Huckfeldt, inventor of Hands First sanitizer, is the Medical Director for St. John’s Medical Research Institute. He oversees all medical aspects of research activities including: clinical trials, product development and trauma and burn research, and serves as an inventor and scientist as well. Prior to his role in research, Dr. Huckfeldt was the Medical Director for St. John’s Level One Trauma and Burn Center in Springfield, Missouri. He is board certified in general surgery and surgical critical care. For more information about Dr. Huckfeldt’s inventions, visit www.mercyrnd.com.