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Flu season: When it comes to fighting germs, soap and water is best

Flu season: When it comes to fighting germs, soap and water is best

Influenza cases are rising at a rate that is above expected levels typical of this time of year, with several hospitals struggling with patient load this flu season.

“At the national level, influenza activity has crossed the seasonal threshold, indicating the start of an influenza epidemic,” noted the Government of Canada in its latest influenza report. “All surveillance indicators are increasing and most are above expected levels typical of this time of year.”

One way the flu virus can spread is through droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing your hands often with soap and water will help protect you from germs, and when those aren’t readily available, an alcohol-based hand rub can help do the trick.

WHY GOOD OLD SOAP AND WATER IS BEST

When it comes to fighting germs, experts recommend washing hands with soap and water.

While there is research suggesting hand sanitizer is an effective way to kill germs, that may not hold up in real-life situations.

That's because most people don't use enough sanitizer for it to be effective, or they accidentally wipe it off before it has dried.

And unlike soap, sanitizers may be less effective on dirty or greasy hands, according to the CDC.

ANTIBACTERIAL VS. REGULAR SOAP

When it comes to soap, there is no shortage of choice.

So what's best?

According to the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S., regular soap works just fine.

In May 2019, the government body said the benefits of using antibacterial hand soap "haven't been proven" and made the move to ban triclosan and triclocarban, two common antibacterial ingredients, in consumer products.

The FDA argues manufactures haven't proven the ingredients are safe for long-term use, but triclosan is still used in Canadian products.

“Following simple handwashing practices is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness at home, at school and elsewhere,” Theresa M. Michele, MD, of the FDA’s Division of Nonprescription Drug Products, said in a statement.

“We can’t advise this enough. It’s simple, and it works.”

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WHEN TO WASH YOUR HANDS

Germs enter the body when we touch our eyes, nose, and mouth, so hands should be washed several times a day -- as you touch people, objects, and surfaces.

This can prevent you from getting sick and from spreading germs to others.

The Mayo Clinic says hands should always be washed before and after eating or handling food, when caring for a sick person or child, and when inserting and removing contact lenses.

Hands should always be washed after handling garbage, blowing your nose, handling animals, when treating wounds, and when using the bathroom -- as well as when your hands are visibly dirty.

BEST PRACITCES

  • Wet your hands with clean, running water, warm or cold.

  • Apply soap to hands and rub vigorously for at least 20 seconds (that's enough time to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice).

  • Make sure to clean all surfaces -- including hands, wrists, between fingers, and under fingernails.

  • Rinse thoroughly.

  • Air dry or use a clean towel.

"The most important way to stop [Coronavirus] spread and to prevent infection is to practice good hygiene protocol," pharmacist Victor Wong tells The Weather Network.

"That means washing our hands and making sure not to use our hands to touch our face, which is something we do 1000 to 3000 times a day."

Wong says in addition to washing your hand, always sneeze into a tissue or, if a tissue isn't available, your sleeve.