Does Anti-Bacterial Make a Difference
The kids have gone back to school, teachers have returned to work and that can mean only one thing--cold and flu season is just around the bend. We all know that washing our hands is pivotal in preventing both cold and flu bugs; but is it REALLY better to use anti-bacterial rather than just plain soap and water? According to a study released by epidemiology department (the branch of medicine that deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases) at the University of Michigan School of Public Health the answer is: not really.
This comprehensive review showed that there was no benefit to using the anti-bacterial ingredient triclosan-based soaps over plain soap and water. In laboratory studies, most people who washed their hands with triclosan-based hand soaps had no fewer bacteria on their hands than people who washed with plain soap and water. In addition, longer-term studies of household use of anti-bacterial products found that households that use them had just as many instances of colds, flus, skin infections, and gastrointestinal problems as households that just used plain soap and water. Some laboratory research has also shown how exposure to triclosan can enable bacteria to evolve into resistance strains, as well as how those resistant mechanisms could be spread to other species of bacteria, leading to cross-resistance with antibiotics for treating serious infections.So NOW what do you do?
- If water is not readily available try using an ALCOHOL based hand gel. Using broad-spectrum antiseptics like alcohol kill bacteria in a completely different way than triclosan does.
- Since alcohol kills bacteria by physically rupturing the cell wall and many other components, it`s almost impossible for bacteria to evolve resistance.
- When you do wash your hands, make sure you wash for 20 seconds or longer BOTH front and back, with WARM not hot water.
- If you`re unsure as to how long 20 seconds is, mentally sing happy birthday, or a chorus of jingle bells.
- If you`re in a public or workplace restroom, use paper towels to turn off the faucet, and light switch as well as to open the door before discarding the paper towel in the trash.
- When you are home as part of your bathroom cleaning routine; make sure you clean the door handle and light switch.
- Avoid touching your face; especially your eyes as they are an open orifice and can easily transmit infections no matter if they are viral or bacterial.
Remember that as much as you try sometimes you just can`t resist that pesky virus so just do the best you can, stock up on the chicken soup and orange juice, and try to stay well this cold and flu season!