Mar 17 2008
The (dirty) truth about hand hygiene – part III: Prevention & common sense
Part III – a) Keeping My Home Germ Free & Effective Hand Washing
Avian flu, rhinovirus, SARS, norovirus, MRSA, e-coli, salmonella, malaria and cholera are names of diseases and conditions that are increasingly prevalent in our modern world. Health professionals all around the globe are constantly assessing the pandemic risk, issuing warnings and recommending steps to prevent those pathogens from spreading. Foodborne, airborne and Viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) (1) illnesses are particularly contagious through direct contact with a contaminated surface and in presence of a sick individual. Cross-contamination usually passes from hands to eye, to mouth and to nose. The solution health professionals, from the CDC to your physician are promoting is simple: wash your hands and avoid contact with a contagious individual. Experts will often add to the usual list of recommendations the use of antimicrobial products. Despite these precautions, contagious diseases outbreaks are on the rise, and the environmental and social change will most likely cause a migration of “new” germs (2) and lead to an increase of outbreaks. The next three posts look at some solutions to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
This time they are in the kitchen. My mistake, I have waited too long to bring the compost bag downstairs. Last time was during the hot and dry month of July. They had found their way to the restroom in quest of water. These are the two most common causes for ants invasions of our houses along with flooding and cold.