swine flu and anti bac gels

[mccfluff]

having a big debate in the office re anti bac gels. if flu is a virus, what is the point of anti bacs?

browsing round a few sites this morning a few people are pointing out (rightly or wrongly) that anti bacs get rid of the good bacteria along with the bad so in the long run are doing more harm than good

So is it all just a placebo?

[daffy654]

Depends really...........I have to use the anti-bacterial gels because some bacteria could be more harmful to me than to a normally healthy person. I could pick up bacteria from a shop door handle because someone who touched it didn't wash their hands after using the toilet,that bacteria could cause a mild tummy bug in some people,in my case I could wind up spending time in hospital.....or worse.

I do get your point about viruses though,the gels are next to useless against them I suppose.

[sqad617]

Anti bacterial ANYTHING is ineffective against viruses.

[eyeshade]

Well that's what I thought, our doctor has a notice up on the wall that says they will not give anti bacs for colds and flu. answer is stay at home and dose up with paracetamol.

[sqad617]

eyeshade....a sensible doctor.

[jake-the-peg]

Yes but it's not just anti-bacterial.

Same in our office - alcohol wipes are effecive against viral spores above 60% concentration.

here's some links

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&client=fi refox-a&channel=s&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aof ficial&hs=HdM&q=alcohol+virus+spores+60%25+con centration&btnG=Search&meta=

[LazyGun]

Its good practice to follow good hygiene in these circumstances, so washing hands regularly is important - and whatever you use will be effective in the context of removing any possible viruses from the surface of your hands.

Add to that what Jake has said regarding the composition and alcohol content of the gels and wipes.

[sqad617]

Jake........good point.............only if the "gel" or wipes,contains alcohol.

Nice one.

[sqad617]

Lazy...sorry synchronous typing.

[mccfluff]

i've just taken a load of antibacterial screen/phone wipes around the office and pointed out that they are useless but everyone is scrubbing away

oh well, at least i've got them to clean their desks.......

am i wrong in wanting the woman who has covered herself in anti bac gels, refuses to let anyone come close to her , has demanded a double desk to herself and stirred the office up becuase one of the reporters went to the school where a pupil has swine flu to come down with just a mild dose

[jake-the-peg]

The ones we were given did - have a sniff

If that fails have a snifter

[ACtheTROLL]

we're doomed ..... dooooooomed I tell you.

[WhiteBears]

within weeks we heard the news about Swine flu (the two scots), our work place were distributed with a bottle of anti-bac gell and a massive tub of wipes each!!! oh and a booklet about it.

i thought it was well OTT!

[caththecrazy]

same with us and every time we go out of the office we have to use the gel - the local supermarket has run out....

[sqad617]

WhiteBears ....in 4months time you will know whether or not that regime of hygiene was OTT or not.