Even with a flu shot, proper hand hygiene can stop the spread of influenza to others, as well as other germs and bacteria to yourself.
High-Quality Hand Hygiene for a Happy Holiday
The holiday season is here, and many families and business travelers will be traversing the globe--traveling from airport terminal and hub to their final destinations.
During those travels, you will encounter countless individuals from all over the world who, statistically, are likely harboring some kind of germ on -- or illness in -- their body.
How would you feel if you knew for an almost certainty that only about one in five of those individuals--the ones you're sitting next to in the terminal, at the restaurant, or on the plane--had clean hands?
According to a recent study;
A test of hands at all airports in the world would likely reveal that just 20 percent would be clean, according to research cited in the International Airport Review story.
That behavior has a global impact, and improving it could serve humanity for the better, especially in the event of an outbreak.
Should that level of cleanliness be improved to 30 percent, a potentially infectious disease would have 21 percent less worldwide impact, says the research.
Furthermore, the impact of potentially infectious disease would reduce 64 percent by doubling that level of hand cleanliness at all airports from 30 percent to 60 percent.
Got a Flu Shot? Wash Your Hands
Most people are unaware of the effectiveness of hand washing in combatting the flu and other viral outbreaks.
According to International Airport Review;
Scientific research shows that handwashing with soap prevents disease in a more straightforward and cost-effective way than any single vaccine or medical treatment.
Hand-hygiene to tackle the spread of disease through air transport
Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the efficacy of flu shots as well.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu vaccine reduces a person’s risk of getting sick with the flu and needing to go to a doctor by 40 to 60 percent, but that’s the best-case scenario.
When most circulating flu viruses are unlike the viruses contained in the vaccine, the prevention numbers are not as high.
In the 2014-15 flu season, the vaccine was only 19 percent effective.
Last year its effectiveness was 48 percent.
Hand Hygiene Tips
Maintaining high-quality hand hygiene that saves lives is a short and straightforward process that is demonstrably overlooked far too often.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean running water, and;
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Source:
References & Resources
- What is a pandemic?
- CDC Says “Take 3” Actions to Fight the Flu
- Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
- Summary of the 2017-2018 Influenza Season
Takeaway
Handwashing saves lives.
According to CDC, flu vaccinations by themselves are not adequate to protect everyone in every circumstance, and falls short of addressing the dozens (if not more) germs and illness-causing bacteria we encounter every day, especially among a crowd of travelers from all over the world.
If you would like more information regarding the benefits of outsourced janitorial services or are interested in developing a high-quality hand hygiene program at your school or in your business--contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 437-3253
In Fresno CA, call (559) 206-1059
In Valencia CA, or Santa Clarita CA, call (661) 437-3253
