Weird Avian Flu related change in my office

[Crankyshank]

I'm sorry but that is the most ridiculous move and shows that the people implementing that policy doesn't know much about health preventatives. Excessive amount of anti bacterial products does more harm than good (not to mention it's really bad for your skin). The best preventative against illness is handwashing. With soap!

 

[Jlampley]

A Dr. friend told me Purell merely blankets the germs. He recommends washing well with non-antibacterial soap. He believes soap is good enough and that anti-bacterial soaps actually weaken the body's natural defenses. We actually need to get a little sick every once in a while to build up a tolerance. By the way he works with cancer patients not those with the flu.

 

[MrsToad]

I'd be tempted to annonomously call the local health department and ask them for a statement, on official letterhead, concerning "Best Handwashing Practices." They must have some sort of guidelines they provide to local Restaurants for their employees to follow.

I agree...having no soap to lather my hands with would make me feel icky.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

A Dr. friend told me Purell merely blankets the germs. He recommends washing well with non-antibacterial soap. He believes soap is good enough and that anti-bacterial soaps actually weaken the body's natural defenses. We actually need to get a little sick every once in a while to build up a tolerance. By the way he works with cancer patients not those with the flu.

Exactly!

Antibaterical use has gone over the top and is creating more harm than good for some people. It's fine when used as a substitute in case you can't wash your hands, but not to be applied over and over throughout the day. Your best defense to disease is to allow yourself to build up a resistance to disease. Not saying to go wallow around in the mud, but don't keep slathering yourself down with antibacterial stuff because the next person with a cold that coughs in your face will knock you silly!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have eczema and cannot use Purell. That would be my complaint!!!! Tell them to have soap as well due to medical conditions!

 

[RachelEllen]

Hi,

We have the gel dispensers in our hospital now (in addition to soap).

Personally, I'd want soap in a bathroom. It's much better when you have to remove any, um, debris from your hands.

The gels aren't really all that bad, though. There's a big difference between the ones with antibiotic and the ones with alcohol. Alcohol based gels do not contribute to bacterial resistance. They also kill viruses. They don't work quite as well as good handwashing, but, not everyone is as diligent as the first poster. Overall, people tend to use them more, so you may be better off in general.

Currantly, in the hospital, we wash upon entering the ICU. I rewash if my hands get dirty or if I sneeze/cough. Between patients, we just gel. Compliance rates are much better with this system. Plus, I notice my hands are much less chapped than with only washing. (But, I'm guessing most people don't have to wash 20 -30 times/day)