WASH YOUR HANDS!

Global Survey Shows Canadians Understand the Value of Hand Washing Better Than Anyone

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TORONTO, Aug. 31 /CNW/ - An international survey on hygiene practices
conducted in nine countries reveals 74 per cent of Canadians view hand washing
as the most effective way to prevent the spread of germs in the home, compared
to 68 per cent in the U.S. and a low 24 per cent in Italy. When it comes to
protection against the flu, 83 per cent of Canadians link hand washing to
protection, compared to 80 per cent in the U.S. and 47 per cent in the U.K.
However, one third of Canadians admit they may not wash their hands properly
after sneezing or coughing.
The survey is part of a global initiative led by the Hygiene Council, an
international think tank of leading practitioners in the fields of
microbiology, virology, infectious diseases and public health. The results
were released in Toronto today at a presentation hosted by the Chair of the
Hygiene Council, Prof. John Oxford (U.K.) Professor of Virology at St.
Bartholomew's & The Royal London Hospital, Queen Mary's School of Medicine and
Dentistry and Canadian member Dr. Donald E. Low, microbiologist-in-chief at
Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.
The international survey examines hygiene habits and awareness levels of
infectious disease transmission of more than 9,000 people in Canada, the U.K.,
Germany, Italy, the U.S., Malaysia, India, South Africa and the United Arab
Emirates. The Canadian portion of the survey, conducted by TNS Canadian Facts
and commissioned by Reckitt Benckiser, also shows that 60 per cent of
Canadians believe hands are the largest carriers of germs, yet 36 per cent
admit they might not wash their hands properly after handling animals or pets.
Twelve per cent of Canadians (one in eight) say they might not wash their
hands properly before eating or handling food; nine per cent admit they may
also fail to practice good hygiene after visiting the washroom.
"Without a doubt, the heightened awareness among Canadians about the
value of hand washing is our legacy from the SARS outbreak a few years ago,"
says Dr. Low. "However, the survey findings suggest that while Canadians have
a good understanding of proper hygiene in the home and community, there's
still room for improvement when it comes to putting theory into practice."

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Recognizing the need to provide advice to the public about good hygiene
practice in the wake of infectious diseases such as SARS and bird flu, the
Hygiene Council held its first meeting in London, England this spring to
discuss aspects of hygiene practice in both developed and developing nations,
measures of prevention and control of avian and pandemic influenza, hygiene
measures in the home, the role of disinfectants, and protection from
micro-organisms. Council chair Prof. Oxford is teaming up with fellow Council
members in eight countries to share their findings and recommendations as part
of the Hygiene for the 21st Century initiative.
"Globally, people need to be better prepared to understand and meet the
challenges that public and personal health poses," says Prof. Oxford. "Good
hygiene practices are preventative measures against disease transmission,
which includes home, community and hospital-based hygiene."

Guidelines put forth by the council encompass many areas including
kitchen hygiene, bathroom hygiene and hand washing. Examples include:

<< - Clean hands can be the most powerful weapon on earth for defeating infection - it's vital that hands are cleaned correctly and thoroughly. When water is not available, the use of alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or sanitizers is a recommended alternative. - Cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing - ideally using the crook of the arm rather than the hand, unless hands can be washed immediately. - Kitchen surfaces, which are prone to cross-contamination, should be cleaned and disinfected regularly to kill bacteria which may cause gastrointestinal infections. - Germ transmission from toilets can be avoided by adopting the habit of flushing with the lid down as germs are dissipated during flushing in water droplets and could settle anywhere in the bathroom. - Commonly touched surfaces, such as door handles, light switches, taps, telephones, and toys should be disinfected often to remove viruses, such as the rhinovirus (the leading cause of the common cold). - Pets and animals should not be allowed in the kitchen or food preparation areas. Children should be discouraged from allowing pets to lick their faces, or to sleep with them. >>

More information about the Council can be found at www.hygienecouncil.com