Hand Sanitizer Gels to combat Swine Flu

Alcohol Hand Gels

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Toilet Seat Sanitation

Toilet Tissue Hygiene

Using a hand gel with over 30% concentration of alcohol (listed as ethanol or ethyl-alcohol) is more likely to be effective in combatting swine flu. 

Hand Sanitizer Direct distributes hand gels, wipes and dispensers for home and the workplace.

Are hand sanitizer gels better than soap and water?

We all know to wash our hands more frequently to ward off swine flu, but many of us are also reaching for hand gel sanitizers, believing the antibacterials will stop swine flu in its tracks.

"If I had a choice , I'd always go for the antibacterial hand gel", says  Professor  John Oxford , a virologist at Queen Mary's School of Medicine in London and leading expert on swine flu. 

"A gel is effective because they contain alcohol," explains Professor Ron Eccles of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University.  "It damages the shell of the virus, inactivates it and prevents the illness from developing.  Studies show gels are effective against regular flu, so they are almost certain to be sucessful against the swine flu virus too" he says. 

Breaking the chain of the transmission

The swine flu virus is spread in droplets of mucus through coughing and sneezing.  After blowing their nose, a sufferer  will have droplets on their fingers.  If they touch another person, who in turn touches their own mouth  or nose, they are likely to become infected.  "Cleansing your hands with an antibacterial hand gel breaks the chain of transmission" says Professor  Eccles. 

He also suggests using antibacterial sprays on surfaces in homes and offices where droplets of the virus will settle.  "Its important to wash hands at least around six times a day" says Professor Oxford. "Do so everytime you or your child, for example, get off public transport or come home from work, even after shaking someones hand".