FACTS ABOUT SWINE FLU & HAND SANITIZERS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, like Bustagerm, when soap and water are not available as one of everyday steps to protecting your health against illnesses, such as the Swine Flu.

Following are some general questions and answers Bustagerm™ Instant Hand + Surface Sanitizer has compiled about Swine Flu and Hand Sanitizers:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Questions and Answers:
Key Facts about Swine Flu

What is 2009 H1N1 (swine flu)?

2009 H1N1 (sometimes called “swine flu”) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) signaled that a pandemic of 2009 H1N1 flu was underway.

How does 2009 H1N1 virus spread?

Spread of 2009 H1N1 virus is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by touching something, such as a surface or object, with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people?

The symptoms of 2009 H1N1 flu virus in people include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, including 2009 H1N1 and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Severe illnesses and deaths have occurred as a result of illness associated with this virus.

How long can an infected person spread this virus to others?

People infected with seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu shed virus and may be able to infect others from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7 days after. This can be longer in some people, especially children and people with weakened immune systems and in people infected with the new H1N1 virus.

How long can influenza virus remain viable on objects (such as books and doorknobs)?

Studies have shown that influenza virus can survive on environmental surfaces and can infect a person for 2 to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.

What surfaces are most likely to be sources of contamination?

Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air. Germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a desk, for example, and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.

For more information and resources please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Hand Sanitizer Information

What is proper hand hygiene practice?

Use soap and water, particularly when hands are visibly dirty. Wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.

When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Can Bustagerm Instant Hand Sanitizer protect against Swine Flu?

There is no hand sanitizer currently known to prevent Swine  Flu, however, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (DCD), one of the ways to help protect from Swine Flu is to practice good hand hygiene. CDC recommends washing with soap and water and if soap and water is not available, like when on-the-go, they suggest using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. To be effective, alcohol-based hand sanitizers must contain at least 60% alcohol.

Bustagerm instant hand + surface sanitizer is made with 70% alcohol, similar to hospital grade sanitizers. Bustagerm is also made from a premium bio-based alcohol (corn ethanol) and is considered “food grade” – safe for food contact surfaces. A third-party has tested the product to prove it will kill 99.99% of germs. It can be used both on hands and surfaces. Compared to gels, the spray is considered to be more effective in getting into the folds and crevices of hands, particularly under the nails.

How does Bustagerm Instant Hand + Surface Sanitizer work?

Bustagerm Instant Hand + Surface  Sanitizer is made from a premium 70%  alcohol (corn ethanol-base) formulation to kill germs on hands + surfaces. The alcohol kills germs by breaking down their cell walls and evaporates quickly leaving no residue. Enriched with aloe vera , Bustagerm also leaves hands feeling soft and refreshed, without drying out the skin.

Do alcohol-based hand sanitizers lead to resistant bacteria?

No laboratory testing has shown alcohol-based hand sanitizers to lead to bacterial resistance. No evidence has been presented that organisms adapt and become immune – “super bugs” – to alcohol based hand sanitizers.