All articles tagged with #hand hygiene
Doctors share their own travel routines to avoid getting sick, highlighting masking in airports and planes, constant handwashing and sanitizing, staying hydrated with electrolytes, nasal mists and vitamin C for immunity, avoiding peak travel times, prioritizing rest, a balanced diet, pre-travel vaccines, and packing practical meds (anti-diarrheal, pain relievers, anti-nausea) for international trips.
Dr. Jeremy London, a heart surgeon with over 25 years of experience, shares four practical tips to protect yourself from the flu during winter: wash hands frequently, get a flu shot, prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and consider supplements like vitamin D, vitamin C, and zinc to boost immunity. While not foolproof, these habits can significantly reduce your risk and severity of illness.
PathSpot, a New York tech startup, has developed a hand hygiene device called the Handscanner, which acts as a "handwashing lie detector" to detect residual contaminants on employees' hands in food service locations. The device uses light fluorescence spectroscopy to identify molecules that can transmit foodborne illnesses and prompts employees to rewash their hands if contamination is detected. It also tracks handwashing compliance and generates real-time employee data to improve hygiene protocols. Investors include the founders of Chopt Creative Salad Co. and Valor Siren Ventures, formed with an anchor investment from Starbucks, reflecting a growing urgency in the restaurant industry to modernize food safety practices.
A new report suggests that nose picking may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, as a protein called beta-amyloid, believed to be a cause of progressive dementia, may be produced in the brain as a defense mechanism to pathogens introduced via the nasal cavity. While nose picking isn't the sole cause of Alzheimer's, the report recommends frequent hand washing and the use of hand sanitizers as routine hygienic procedures to reduce the risk.
A review of studies suggests that chronic nose-picking may introduce germs into the nasal cavity, leading to inflammation in the brain and potentially increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The report, published in the journal Biomolecules, highlights the potential role of pathogens entering the brain through the nose and the olfactory system in causing neuroinflammation associated with Alzheimer's. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand hygiene and urge people to refrain from nose-picking to reduce the risk of chronic, mild brain infections that may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases.
A review of studies suggests that chronic nose-picking may introduce pathogens into the nasal cavity, leading to neuroinflammation and an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The report, published in the journal Biomolecules, highlights the potential link between nasal germs and brain infections that contribute to neurodegenerative diseases. Researchers emphasize the importance of hand hygiene and urge people to refrain from nose-picking to reduce the risk of such infections.
A review of studies suggests that chronic nose-picking may introduce pathogens into the nasal cavity, leading to neuroinflammation and potentially increasing the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The report highlights the importance of hand hygiene and refraining from nose-picking to prevent the potential spread of germs that could contribute to neurological diseases.
Experts indicate that while public toilets are germ hotspots due to high traffic and potential pathogens, the health risks are minimal if proper hygiene is practiced. Key protective measures include avoiding touching one's face, washing hands thoroughly, and minimizing contact with high-touch surfaces. The use of toilet seat protectors or disinfectant wipes can offer additional safety, and carrying personal items like toilet paper can further reduce risk. Infectious diseases from public toilets are unlikely, especially for respiratory viruses like COVID-19, and sexually transmitted infections are not a concern due to their inability to survive long outside the body. Overall, good hand hygiene is the most effective way to stay safe in public restrooms.
A study conducted in Germany examined the microbial population in healthcare-associated coffee machines, focusing on high-priority pathogens. The study found that hospital-based coffee machines were more heavily colonized by bacterial species compared to home-based machines, indicating a potential transmission risk. Gram-negative pathogens and commensal species were common, with potentially medically relevant species predominantly detected on the drip tray and water tank handle. The study highlights the importance of following hand hygiene protocols and regularly cleaning coffee machines to reduce the risk of nosocomial outbreaks.
As the holiday season approaches and respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID, and RSV are expected to surge, doctors recommend several measures to stay healthy. Getting enough sleep, around seven to nine hours per night, helps boost the immune system. Staying up to date on routine vaccinations, including COVID and flu shots, provides protection against circulating strains. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol helps remove germs. Staying physically active not only relieves stress but also promotes overall health and a stronger immune system. To prevent germs from spreading, creating a designated drop zone for outdoor items and regularly disinfecting shared surfaces can help reduce exposure.
Immunologists recommend avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands as the most important habit to prevent getting sick, as germs can enter your body through your eyes, nose, and mouth. Other habits to stay healthy include regularly washing hands, getting enough sleep, eating nutrient-rich foods, exercising regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Vaccinations for COVID-19 and the flu also play a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases and contributing to herd immunity. These simple habits can help protect against illnesses and keep you and those around you healthy during the holiday season and beyond.
To avoid colds and flu this winter, it is important to follow a few simple strategies. These include washing hands frequently, avoiding touching the face, getting flu shots, cleaning common surfaces regularly, getting enough sleep and exercise, eating well-balanced meals, staying hydrated, and finding activities that help relax and reduce stress.
The author expresses frustration at the increasing number of men observed not washing their hands after using public restrooms, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of proper hygiene. They emphasize the criticality of handwashing in preventing the spread of illnesses like cold, flu, and COVID-19, and urge individuals to take the extra 30 seconds to wash their hands with warm soap and water. The author highlights the irony of someone wearing an N95 mask but neglecting to wash their hands. They conclude by emphasizing the importance of handwashing for personal and public health.
Doctors share five things they never do during cold and flu season to stay healthy. They emphasize the importance of getting the flu shot, avoiding work or school when sick, wearing a mask in public, practicing proper hand-washing hygiene, and prioritizing rest to aid recovery. These measures help reduce the risk of transmission and ensure a healthier season.
A norovirus outbreak in Tazewell County, Illinois, that resulted in over 300 illnesses has been attributed to a sick restaurant employee who was not wearing gloves while preparing food. The outbreak occurred from November 19 to 26, with symptoms reported between November 20 and 28. Secondary cases were also reported within households of restaurant patrons. The suspected food vehicle was salad, and the restaurant voluntarily closed for disinfection before reopening. The CDC emphasizes the importance of proper hand hygiene and excluding symptomatic employees to prevent outbreaks.