PR83908

LONDON, May 8, 2020/PRNewswire=KYODO JBN/--

According to a new Position Paper published in the American Journal of

Infection Control (

https://www.ajicjournal.org/article/S0196-6553%2820%2930209-1/fulltext )

online, improved everyday hygiene practices, such as handwashing, can help to

significantly reduce the risk of common infections. Evidence shows risk

reduction can be up to 50%. With the increased hygiene efforts being deployed

to delay the spread of COVID-19, the Global Hygiene Council's (GHC) public

health experts are now calling for even greater attention to improved hygiene

behaviour in homes and communities to help reduce the spread of infection.

This Position Paper, developed on behalf of the GHC, explores evidence that

following everyday hygiene measures in homes and community settings (including

workplaces, universities, schools, nurseries, on public transport and during

shopping and leisure activities) can play a vital role in containing and

delaying the threat from infectious microorganisms. Multiple studies

demonstrate that harmful bacteria and viruses can be transferred from an

infected individual to other people via hands and frequently touched surfaces

and can survive in enough numbers to cause an infection.

Regular handwashing and surface disinfection are key hygiene measures that can

help reduce the levels of microorganisms on hands and frequently touched

surfaces. Adopting a hygienic approach in our homes and everyday lives offers a

way to maximise protection against infection, at the times and places where

there is the greatest risk of transmission.

According to the lead author, Jean-Yves Maillard, Professor of Pharmaceutical

Microbiology at the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, at Cardiff

University; "In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and evidence presented

in this Paper, it is more urgent than ever for us all to recognise the role of

community hygiene to minimise the spread of infections. This also helps to

reduce the consumption of antibiotics and helps the fight against antimicrobial

resistance."

At this time of increased concern, the Global Hygiene Council is calling for

health agencies and healthcare professionals to recognise the importance of

advising the public of the importance of hygiene in their home and community

settings to minimise the spread of infections.

The Global Hygiene Council is supported by RB, global leaders in health and

hygiene products.

References:

1. Curtis V, Cairncross S. Effect of washing hands with soap on diarrhoea risk

in the community: a systematic review. Lancet Infect Dis. May 2003; 3 (5):

275-81

2. Staniford LJ, Schmidtke KA. A systematic review of hand-hygiene and

environmental-disinfection interventions in settings with children. BMC Public

Health 20, 195 (2020). Available at:

https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-020-8301-0

3. International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene. Containing the burden of

infectious diseases is everyone's responsibility. October 2018. Available from:

https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/sites/default/files/publications/IFH%20White%20Paper-10-18.pdf

Accessed April 6, 2020.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1163611/Global_Hygiene_Council.jpg

SOURCE: The Global Hygiene Council