Blog, Care homes, Food preparation, General news, Workforce hand washing
Why hand washing is particularly important for these 4 groups of people
Mar
Hand gels will not help to protect them against norovirus
Some people need to be taking “extra precautions” when it comes to safeguarding against norovirus – the extremely unpleasant “winter vomiting bug” that is deeply unpleasant for most people, but potentially even more serious for certain groups of individual, according to a recent warning on the SurreyLive website.
Incidents of norovirus have been particularly high in numbers this past winter, and, although they are gradually diminishing, there have still been a number of high profile hospital ward closures across the UK.
Most people do not usually need any medical intervention if they catch it writes Samantha Leathers. There are however vulnerable groups that are particularly at risk if they contract the illness. She quotes a consultant gastroenterologist from Doctify who identified the four categories of people who are particularly at risk
Dr Angad Dhillon revealed that they are:-
Small children, pregnant women, older people and those who are immunocompromised. “For these people, the specialist warned that prevention is key” says the report.
Focus on hand washing with soap and water
There is, it seems, a popular misconception that hand gels will contribute to a curtailment of the bug. This is however, not the case said Dr. Dhillon.
“Hand sanitisers aren’t enough against norovirus, thorough handwashing with soap and water is the most effective prevention method. Wash hands frequently with soap and water, as alcohol-based sanitisers are less effective against norovirus.”
Appropriate food safety guidance is also given in the article, including the importance of thoroughly washing fruit and vegetables.
The virus can stay viable for days on contaminated surface writes Leathers. So contracting norovirus isn’t dependent on direct contact with an infected person. “Meaning it can be tricky for people to stay healthy if someone else in their home is ill.”
Effective mobile hand washing for everyone – wherever they are
Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile and washing units for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in hospital or medical facility, care home, an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.
Mobile hand wash stations can also be hired »
There are vehicle mounted, wall mounted, mains powered and free standing hand wash stations as well as mobile sinks for use with pre-heated hot water.
The Teal range of mobile sinks includes the MediWash, Hygienius and Hygienius ProWash, BigSynk, Super Stallette, TEALwash, Handeman Xtra, Compact Classic, HandSpa, CliniWash – and now the new WashStand Xtra.