Why soap and water hand washing will continue to be essential

Those “same old germs” will be back again…

Effective soap and water hand washing has been an essential activity during the current pandemic. Now things are being relaxed to a greater or lesser degree, hand hygiene should remain to the fore of everyone’s thoughts, according to a recent report on the Freeport Journal-Standard website.

The article is written by Margie Kochsmier MSN, RN, CMSRN, CIC who is an infection preventionist at FHN. She warns that many of the “same old germs” that everyone has to contend with which can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses, are going to again be an issue – particularly as the winter months approach.

E. coli and norovirus are the two that Ms Kochsmier highlights. The latter, also referred to as viral gastroenteritis, was first identified as recently as 1972 and is easily spread. Unfortunately, says the article, gels and sanitisers are not able to halt its proliferation.

“Hand sanitizer is not effective for some stomach bugs like norovirus. For germs like that, we have always had to rely on washing your hands with plain old soap and water before you eat and after you use the restroom.”

Guarding against norovirus

It’s “a tough little bug” says the report, being able to stay in an individual’s system for up to 2 weeks – long after their recovery from the illness. And worryingly, it can it can apparently survive on surfaces for as many as 12 days. Washing before eating is therefore highly advisable.

“Wash hands with soap and water before you eat. Hand sanitizer is not effective for norovirus.”

Keep your eyes open and your hands clean to stop summer stomach bugs »

Soap and water hand washing – wherever it can be most effective!

Teal produces a comprehensive range of mobile sinks and portable basins for every type of hand washing situation for use by anyone who needs to wash their hands effectively, whether they’re in an office environment, temporary accommodation or out in the field on a daily basis.

The range of mobile handwash units for medical facilities »

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 and WashStand and the new HandSpa.