When epidemics of influenza and gastrointestinal arrive, caused by winter viruses it is essential to adopt some simple hygiene. Wash hands and ventilate the interior help to fight against the spread of viruses and bacteria.
WASHING HANDS, A GESTURE OF ESSENTIAL HYGIENE
Wash hands, “is rule number one, because most infectious agents are” manuportés “,” insists Dr. Daniel Floret, pediatrician. This reflex can significantly reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal and / or respiratory diseases.
When? “Several times a day, and always when you get home, you took public transportation, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose or sneezing into your hands and always before preparing meals or sit at the table. “Do it as before to take care of a baby, and after changing a diaper, especially if he has diarrhea.
? With what for everyday use, soap and water are very suitable: “Think you rub the whole hand, not to mention the interdigital spaces, nails and wrists.” Wiping is also an important step” towels or cloths sufficiently provided they are used for that purpose and changed daily. But if there is a patient at home, it is better to temporarily use paper towels. ”
And alcoholic solutions? ‘They are superior to soap but are not necessary in general practice. They have however the advantage of being portable and usable in all circumstances. “Ensuring, in selecting the product, it clearly claims a virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal (Septivon Care, Baccide, Aniosgel 85 NPC …). Attention: to be effective, it must be rubbing their hands until total evaporation, about 30 seconds!
WHAT TO DO AT HOME, AT THE OFFICE
“You should know that the virus can survive on surfaces for several hours or more.” Hence the importance, during an epidemic, especially if someone is sick at home, cleaning the most” vulnerable “to contamination surfaces regularly: toilet bowl, door handles, TV remote control, telephone, toilet, etc.). The easiest way is to use diluted bleach in cold water.
VENTILATE ROOMS FROM 10 TO 15 MINUTES A DAY
At home, in the office, this is a good way to remove microbial contaminants, and chemicals at the same time, languishing in the atmosphere. “10-15 minutes a day seem reasonable, preferably in the morning,” says Prof. Floret. Moreover, if the atmosphere of the room is very dry, which can cause respiratory irritation and make them more open to viruses, think of humidifiers, devices that are filled with water and the radiator is suspended or if it is compatible with electric heater.
USE AIR PURIFIERS
The choice of product depends mainly on the desired effect.
For a comprehensive prevention. Nebulizers these appliances disseminate critical ionization in a cloud of fine particles oils. “As the oils are not heated, unlike devices with candle or resistance, they retain their properties,” attests Dr. Jean-Michel Morel, author of herbal practice Treaty (Grancher) which advocates the plug, not continuously, but an hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon (or late afternoon).
Will he risk of toxicity? “No, if this is a proven allergy to an essential oil. However, the rather strong smell may bothersome. “However, it does not recommend using the device in children’s rooms when they are there.
What essential oils put? “The cocktail eucalyptus, Lavender and pine needles is interesting to respiratory virus, but there are very good blends ready.” His choice ODAROME Air Sain, Dr. Valnet; Pranaforce Bio lab. Pranarôm.
For occasional use. Sanitizers sprays “very concentrated essential oils, they have the advantage of quickly eradicating germs eventually left suspended in a room with a sick person crossing, but their effectiveness lasts only a few minutes. In addition, they are not recommended in the presence of children under 3 years, pregnant or lactating women. “Our choice: ArkoRespir, lab. Arkopharma; Breath, Aroma counter; Sanitizer Spray VEGEBOM, Phytoaromasol Pin Eucalyptus, lab.Dietaroma.
VIRUS TRANSMISSION: PRACTICES TO AVOID
During epidemics, prudence dictates that physical contact “superfluous” that could allow viruses to transport a person to another (sessions handshakes or kisses on arrival are avoided office, accolades with his friends …). “If you present yourself symptoms, we must be even more vigilant, warns Professor Floret. First avoid kisses and hugs and then wear a surgical mask at home if you cough, sneeze or if you feel flu, especially when caring for young children or frail or elderly people.”
ITS RELEASE INTO THE WILD VIRUS
When sneezing or coughing, you cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue. When you fly, it is in a tissue that is thrown immediately into a trash can (do not forget to wash your hands immediately after). And whatever the infection, does not trade neither the machine nor cutlery, glasses or…
DISCOVER A THREAD
“Viruses are capable of binding to the mucous membranes of the nose or throat, and remain silent until they find a breach, says Dr. Morel. However, a common cold can open this gap and facilitate their passage.” So we ensure, whenever you leave a warm place to get out in the cold, to be well covered and to wear a scarf.
