Avoiding germs on the flight?

[superdiz]

Various medical studies show that hand sanitizer is in fact better than just soap and water (though if that's all you have, that's better than nothing and I'd advise doing both). But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

OP - Ignore the people who love to have a good internet argument and have fun on your trip!

 

[maxiesmom]

Various medical studies show that hand sanitizer is in fact better than just soap and water (though if that's all you have, that's better than nothing and I'd advise doing both). But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

You know, I could have sworn I read the exact opposite. That your first choice should be soap and water, but if that is not available hand sanatizer is the next best thing.

With so many contradictory new stories and studies, it is no wonder we all get confused and maybe a bit paranoid.

 

[goofy4tink]

Various medical studies show that hand sanitizer is in fact better than just soap and water (though if that's all you have, that's better than nothing and I'd advise doing both). But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

OP - Ignore the people who love to have a good internet argument and have fun on your trip!

You know, I could have sworn I read the exact opposite. That your first choice should be soap and water, but if that is not available hand sanatizer is the next best thing.

With so many contradictory new stories and studies, it is no wonder we all get confused and maybe a bit paranoid.

Does it really matter which is best??? If you have soap and water, use it. If you only have hand sanitizer, use that.
Here's the important thing...use something! I prefer hand washing, but if I can't get to a sink, then out comes that hand sanitizer.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

You know, I could have sworn I read the exact opposite. That your first choice should be soap and water, but if that is not available hand sanatizer is the next best thing.

With so many contradictory new stories and studies, it is no wonder we all get confused and maybe a bit paranoid.

That is the policy in our hospitals, and I know this was recently updated, because we just did our annual update training. Hand sanitizer is discouraged unless soap and water aren't available.

I'm not paranoid at all by any of this, I NEVER use hand sanitizer and I have been exposed to many, many illnesses (including AIDS) and haven't gotten sick, funny isn't it, guess our experts are doing something right.

Suzanne

 

[superdiz]

Our hospital uses hand sanitizer for most patients and for certain patients (CDiff) you have to do both. Of course I do both anyhow because hand sanitizer tends to leave a film, but I also work in a top 10 hospital in the USA so I would tend to trust their guidelines. That is not to say that we don't wash our hands, but the average person doesn't wash their hands the way they should, making soap and water null and void. The proper technique is to use warm water, soap, and scrub, not just rinse. Sing Happy Bday 2 times to yourself. Most people just rinse. That is my argument FOR hand sanitizer in Disney. In that sense, it is more effective.

 

[Alesia]

Various medical studies show that hand sanitizer is in fact better than just soap and water (though if that's all you have, that's better than nothing and I'd advise doing both). But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

OP - Ignore the people who love to have a good internet argument and have fun on your trip!

Do you happen to know where these studies were published? Every study I've ever read has said the opposite.

 

[Hannathy]

Do you happen to know where these studies were published? Every study I've ever read has said the opposite.

Yep me to.

what I have read says with the sanitizer you are killing mostly non harmful "germs" and also causing dryness with the alcohol leading to minute cracks in the skin that let in harmful bacteria.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Here is some information from our hospital's training guide on when to use each method, from our Infection Control Program


There are times when it is more appropriate to actually wash your hands instead of using sanitizer

When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with blood or other body fluids.
Before eating.
After using the bathroom
After caring for a patient with diarrhea
After caring for a patient with C. Diff


When to Use Alcohol Rubs for Hand Hygiene

All other times not listed on the left (see below)
Before and after patient contact
After touching equipment
After touching frequently touched surfaces (elevator buttons for example)


(This was what was on the left from the above list)

Common times to use hand hygiene

Before and after all patient contact
After touching common equipment
AFTER TOUCHING FREQUENTLY TOUCHED SURFACES
keyboard, elevator buttons, telephones
After using the bathroom
Before eating (yourself) or feeding a patient
After sneezing, coughing, blowing your nose
Before and after using gloves


Suzanne

 

[ccgirl]

I see nothing wrong with wiping your area down. Just, PLEASE, use non scented. I have asthma and using the scented wipes in such a closed in area will set me off to have an asthma attack. I'm not crazy wiping things down but when my children were younger I either covered the shopping cart when they sat in it or carried them in my Baby Bjorn. I also use hand sanitizer after I pump my own gas. There is nothing wrong with taking extra precautions. I understand we need to be exposed to germs to build up immunity but to those with compromised immune system; that could be a life threatening thing. OP - if you DH has the compromised immune system I would wear a mask. As PP have pointed out; most of the viruses that you will catch on the plane are airborne so no amount of wiping things down will protect you. If it gives you peace of mind...wipe away. Just, please stick to the non scented wipes.

 

[Jonell]

Various medical studies show that hand sanitizer is in fact better than just soap and water (though if that's all you have, that's better than nothing and I'd advise doing both). But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

OP - Ignore the people who love to have a good internet argument and have fun on your trip!

Thanks, I plan to have a wonderful time on our trip. Who would have thought that the topic of "Avoiding Germs" would have turned into a debate. Apparently everyone has their own opinion and everyone has their family's best interest in mind. Everyone's going to wash there hands as much as possible after touching things that many people have touched. I'm not going to have everyone in my family run to the bathroom to wash there hands for times like after we exit each ride at WDW. That's why I carry hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes for those times. My mom didn't douse me in sanitizer when I was a kid after I touched things and I'm still alive and healthy. But now with the media and all of the panic over potentially life threating communicable diseases we all tend to be worried at times.

 

[bear_mom]

My mom didn't douse me in sanitizer when I was a kid after I touched things and I'm still alive and healthy. But now with the media and all of the panic over potentially life threating communicable diseases we all tend to be worried at times.

I think this is what most people are saying - you don't need the constant use of hand sanatizers and antibacterial cleaners. Washing your hands with soap and water is plenty effective (if done properly, after going to the bathroom and before eating) especially when combined with keeping your hands away from your face.

Emily

 

[superdiz]

I'll let you know it all's argue it out with the CDC. Of course you probably know more than the Center for Disease Control as well.

I still argue - USE BOTH. Hand sanitizer when coming off rides and planes, and soap and water for at least 30 seconds with warm borderline hot water when in the restroom.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5116.pdf

And something a little easier to absorb.

http://www.learnwell.org/handhygiene.htm

 

[superdiz]

Suzanne - that is our hospital policy as well.

 

[goofy4tink]

Various medical studies show that hand sanitizer is in fact better than just soap and water (though if that's all you have, that's better than nothing and I'd advise doing both). But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

OP - Ignore the people who love to have a good internet argument and have fun on your trip!

Completely off topic here, but I just had to tell you how beautiful that wedding cake is. It must have been a wonderful day for you.

 

[robsmith1098]

Thanks, I plan to have a wonderful time on our trip. Who would have thought that the topic of "Avoiding Germs" would have turned into a debate. Apparently everyone has their own opinion and everyone has their family's best interest in mind. Everyone's going to wash there hands as much as possible after touching things that many people have touched. I'm not going to have everyone in my family run to the bathroom to wash there hands for times like after we exit each ride at WDW. That's why I carry hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes for those times. My mom didn't douse me in sanitizer when I was a kid after I touched things and I'm still alive and healthy. But now with the media and all of the panic over potentially life threating communicable diseases we all tend to be worried at times.

Jonell, hope you have an enjoyable trip. I hope the info I PM'ed you was helpful.

Rob

 

[superdiz]

Thanks Diane! Disney really outdoes themselves in the bakery department!

 

[Jonell]

Jonell, hope you have an enjoyable trip. I hope the info I PM'ed you was helpful.

Rob

Yes it did. Thank you very much.

 

[robinb]

Wow, lots of people advising against hand sanitizer. Interesting...

But of course I'm sure all of you here on the DisBoards know better than the doctors and scientists conducting these studies.

OP - Ignore the people who love to have a good internet argument and have fun on your trip!

Of course I do both anyhow because hand sanitizer tends to leave a film, but I also work in a top 10 hospital in the USA so I would tend to trust their guidelines.

I'll let you know it all's argue it out with the CDC. Of course you probably know more than the Center for Disease Control as well.

While I don't expect "pixie dust" on the transportation board, I also don't expect to be talked down to. There is an old saying that goes: "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar." While you're busy looking down your nose at the rest of us your arguments are falling on deaf ears because of your attitude.

 

[kaytieeldr]

That's why I carry hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes for those times. My mom didn't douse me in sanitizer when I was a kid after I touched things and I'm still alive and healthy. But now with the media and all of the panic over potentially life threating communicable diseases we all tend to be worried at times.

I feel compelled to point out the difference here.

While you all are arguing about hand sanitizer vs. soap and water, there's a third, more dangerous option thrown into the mix that everybody's ignoring: the [and I'm serious] dreaded antibacterial wipes and spray. All these products formulated to kill bacteria are what's increasing our susceptibility TO the potentially life-threatening conditions, like MRSAs and flesh-eating bacteria.

 

[goofy4tink]

Okay everyone...this has gone about as far as it can. It's starting to serve no purpose. So, with that in mind, I'm shutting it down. Thanks to all of you for handing out some good info.