Germ Control Tips
For people who have primary immunodeficiency disease, cold and flu season can be especially stressful. With all the germs out there, it’s hard to know the best way to protect yourself and your family. Below are tips we hope can keep us all healthy throughout the season. WASH YOUR HANDS THE RIGHT WAY
ALCOHOL-BASED HAND SANITIZERS
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper hand-washing is the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick.
The CDC states that when soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers can be used. Keep in mind:
Below is the CDC’s hand-washing protocol:
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The active ingredient in most alcoholbased hand sanitizers is ethyl alcohol.
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Alcohol is a natural antiseptic. It has been used in the medical field for more than 100 years because it kills most germs in seconds—without water—and evaporates quickly, leaving no residue on the skin. Alcohol destroys most germs.
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The level of alcohol in any hand sanitizer must be greater than 60 percent to be effective. Alcohol content between 60 and 95 percent is ideal.
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These products have not been proven to kill viruses or Clostridium difficile.
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If hands are visibly soiled, hand sanitizers will not work. In these cases, use soap and water.
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Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it’s available.
2. Rub hands together to a lather and scrub all surfaces. 3. Continue rubbing hands for 15–20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend. 4. Rinse well under running water. 5. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.
Washing with soap and water is better, but the ease and availability of hand sanitizer makes it a good first step in the fight against germs.
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The information herein is for educational purposes only and may not be construed as medical advice. Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. takes no responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information herein, nor the claims or statements of any manufacturer. Copyright © 2017 by Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. Diplomat and Diplomat Specialty Infusion Group are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Diplomat Pharmacy Inc. All rights reserved. DSIG-117543-1117