 |
March/April 2007 |
You are here:  Cleaning Matters Home
News Flash! Surface Cleaning, Disinfecting, Hand Hygiene |
Three critical players in the fight against flu and infections
A recent National Cleaning Survey, conducted on behalf of The Soap and Detergent Association by
International Communications Research, finds that Americans are concerned about reports of skin
infections, like Staphylococcus aureus, in their children's schools.
If this bacterium becomes resistant to methicillin, a powerful antibiotic commonly
used to fight Staph infections, recovery from the infection becomes much more difficult.
This antibiotic
resistant strain is known as MRSA, or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
In the past, nearly all cases of MRSA were found in hospitalized patients, but
there is an increasing
number of infections acquired outside hospitals and in the community.
Awareness Alert
Among the 1,008 American adults who were surveyed, a full 90 percent believe that
handwashing can help reduce the spread of a viral flu pandemic, and 87 percent believe
hand hygiene can be helpful in preventing the spread of a viral disease outbreak such as
the avian flu. Seventy-four percent were concerned about ensuring good hand hygiene practices
in schools. Separately, 84 percent said they were concerned about ensuring good hand hygiene
practices for themselves and their family members at home.
However, there seems to be a disconnect between what Americans say and what they do.
While many viral infections, such as colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections, are
spread through person-to-person contact, or contact with contaminated surfaces, this
same survey found that 36 percent of Americans seldom or never wash their hands after sneezing.
Clearly, observes Nancy Bock, Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent
Association, there's a need to put awareness into action.
Action Alert
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), good
hygiene is critical in preventing Staph or skin infections. Keeping hands
clean and surfaces disinfected will also help control the spread of flu, colds,
and other commonly transmitted diseases. Here are a few good hygiene habits
to practice:
- Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water, or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
When you're around someone who has a Staph infection, there are additional steps that can be taken to avoid spreading the infection to family and friends. Remember to:
- Clean surfaces daily with an EPA-registered disinfectant according to the manufacturer's directions.
Look for the EPA registration number on the product label. Or, use a solution of one tablespoon of bleach
mixed in one quart of water to disinfect all nondisposable items and surfaces that may have come in contact
with the infected area, wound drainage, or soiled supplies.
- Wash soiled linens and clothes with hot water and laundry detergent. Dry them in a hot dryer, if possible.
- Wash utensils and dishes in the dishwasher with dishwasher detergent, or
by hand using hand dishwashing detergent and hot water.
Email Us
 |
Cleaning Matters is compiled by The Soap and Detergent Association and is not copyrighted. Such information is offered solely to aid the reader. The Soap and Detergent Association and its member companies do not make any guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to the information contained in Cleaning Matters and assume no responsibility for the use of this information. |
|
