FACT: Proper hand hygiene can signficantly reduce the risk of exposure to commonly-transmitted germs and viruses.
FACT: By maintaining good hand hygiene strategies, workplace and school-related absenteeism and "presenteeism" can be dramatically reduced.
Current FDA guideliness prohibit hand sanitizer manufacturers from 'advertising' any claims with regard to specific pathogens that their products are effective against, even when those manufacturers might have independent lab tests to document the efficacy of their products.
In point of fact, the FDA prohibits hand sanitizer makers, marketers or distributors from incorporating any specific pathogen phrases or identifiers within web site content, including meta tags.
This is apparently because of FDA concern that consumers will presume that the particular illness caused by these germs will be completely prevented through use of the product.
Because germs/bacteria can be spread in a number of ways, no maker of hand sanitizer products can provide complete guarantees. If they do make such claims within web advertising or related promotional material, they are violating FDA guidelines, and could be subjected to criminal prosecution.
That said, we maintain that proper hand hygiene is one of the most important tools to provent the spread of illness. This why the US Centers For Disease Control and various orther organizations recomend hand washing, or use of appropriate hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. An ongoing discussion on the topic of hand hygiene best practices can be found at numerous blogs on the web, including this one: http://www.handhygienefacts.blogspot.com
For specific information, please call us toll-free at 877-495-5678 or email us, and we'll respond immediately.
Facts about Hand Sanitizers and the topic of Swine Flu
Major health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend that hand washing and-when soap and water may not be available-use of approopriate hand sanitizer are integral to minimizing the spread of germs during illness outbreaks, such as the Swine Flu (H1N1).
The makers of Hy5® Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer have compiled these important public health messages:
Is Hy5® Alcohol-Free Hand Sanitizer active against Swine Flu?
While no hand sanitizer is indicated to prevent Swine Flu, according to the CDC, one of the ways you can help protect yourself from easily transmitted germs and viruses is by practicing good hand hygiene. Specific CDC recommendations include keeping your hands clean by washing soap and water, or using an appropriate hand sanitizer when washing with soap and water may not be available, such as when you're traveling or not in close proximity to hand washing facilities. Alcohol-based products are typically ineffective against non enveloped viruses, and FDA guidelines prohibit makers of OTC drugs, including hand antiseptic products from "advertising" specific claims, or from displaying the results of any respective independent lab tests indicating the success (or lack thereof) against specific pathogens. But, those independent lab tests, and additional information can be provided upon request.
How do most infectious diseases spread?
According to the International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene (IFH), the hands are one of the most frequent transmission routes for many types of infections, as they come into direct contact with known portals of entry for pathogens (nose, mouth, eyes). Therefore, proper hand hygiene is the easiest way to help reduce infections. Another way that some infections can spread is through the air, illustrating the importance of covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you sneeze.
What is the proper way to practice hand hygiene?
Use soap and water and wash for no less than 15-20 seconds.
When soap and water are not available, use an appropriate hand sanitizer. In August 2009, the CDC updated its position on the topic of hand sanitizers and acknowledged that many venues, for a variety of reasons, prohibit the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizing products, and as such, non-alcohol hand antiseptics can be [equally] useful.
How does Hy5® work?
Hy5® utilizes the organic compound Benzalkonium Chloride (a/k/a 'BAC', a/k/a 'BZK') as the active ingredient. We incorporate a "touch" of Aloe Vera for additional skin-strengthening and skin-softening benefits. The rinse-free, water-based formula is dispensed in a foam format, providing greater effectiveness and greater cost efficiencies when compared to alcohol-based gels.
BAC is a long-recognized antibacterial/antiseptic. As an antiseptic, it has the advantage of not burning when put on a wound, cut or abrasion, which is not the case with alcoho9l or ehtanol-based antiseptics, or hydrogen peroxide. When applied to the hands, the formula is absorbed into the outer layers of the skin and maintains residual protection (which means it maintains germ-killing capability long after its applied to the skin).
Do non-alcohol based hand sanitizers like Hy5® lead to resistant bacteria?
In vitro laboratory testing has suggested that certain antibiotic resistant bacteria often found in hospital venues can develop a resistance to antibacterial counter-top and other industrial cleaning agents, including those that use BZK. Studies with respect to hand sanitizer products (as opposed to counter-top cleaning agents) are inconclusive, and there is no academic evidence to suggest that organisms adapt and b ecome immune to non-alcohol hand sanitizers.
Note: MGS Brands and affiliated companies not affiliated with the CDC or IFH>
