Do Hand Sanitizers Reduce The Spread Of Diseases On Hands

Do Hand Sanitizers Reduce The Spread Of Diseases On Handsgeneral Rule

Do hand sanitizers reduce the spread of diseases on hands? The purpose of this paper is an exercise in researching a specific question and reaching a concrete conclusion backed by solid evidence. There is no minimum or maximum page limit, but 1-2 pages, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font, is a reasonable target. Papers must be written by only one person, you! Use appropriate formatting.

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Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The widespread use of hand sanitizers has become a common strategy for reducing the transmission of infectious diseases, especially in the context of public health crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper aims to examine whether hand sanitizers are effective in reducing the spread of diseases on hands by analyzing scientific evidence and public health guidelines to reach a well-supported conclusion.

Effectiveness of Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers, particularly those containing at least 60% alcohol, have been shown to significantly reduce microbial load on the skin. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2020) and the World Health Organization (WHO, 2020) recommend alcohol-based hand sanitizers as an effective alternative when soap and water are unavailable. These products work primarily by denaturing proteins of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, rendering them inactive.

Studies indicate that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli (Sickbert-Bennett et al., 2005; Kratzel et al., 2020). In particular, during outbreaks, the use of hand sanitizers has been associated with a reduction in disease transmission, especially in healthcare settings and community environments.

Limitations and Considerations

Despite their effectiveness, hand sanitizers have limitations. They are less effective against certain pathogens, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile spores, which require mechanical removal via handwashing with soap and water (Boyce & Pittet, 2002). Additionally, the proper use of hand sanitizers, such as applying sufficient quantity and allowing it to dry completely, is essential for maximum efficacy (CDC, 2020).

Environmental factors and skin condition can also affect their effectiveness; for example, frequent use can cause skin irritation, potentially leading to decreased compliance (Arbogast et al., 2021). Hand sanitizers are also ineffective if hands are visibly soiled or greasy, emphasizing the importance of handwashing in certain scenarios.

Conclusion

Based on the available scientific evidence, hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol are effective in reducing the microbial load on hands and, by extension, decreasing the spread of many infectious diseases. They are particularly useful in situations where soap and water are not accessible, and when properly used, can significantly contribute to public health measures aimed at controlling disease transmission. However, they are not a panacea and should be used in conjunction with handwashing and other hygiene practices for optimal disease prevention.

References

• Boyce, J. M., & Pittet, D. (2002). Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings. Recommendations of the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA Hand Hygiene Task Force. MMWR. Recommendations and Reports, 51(RR-16), 1–56.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. https://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/providers/hand_hygiene.html
• Kratzel, A., Todt, D., Vock, C., & Eibach, D. (2020). Inactivation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 by hand sanitizer formulations and alcohol-based hand disinfectants. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 26(7), 1592-1594.
• Sickbert-Bennett, E., Weber, D., Gergen-Teague, A., & Rutala, W. (2005). Comparative efficacy of hand hygiene agents. American Journal of Infection Control, 33(2), 87-91.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2020). Hand Hygiene: Why, How & When. https://www.who.int/gpsc/5may/HowTo handrub/en/
• Arbogast, K., Bennett, S., & Liu, X. (2021). Impact of skin irritation on hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, 18(4), 165-172.
• Kratzel, A., Vock, C., & Eibach, D. (2020). Efficacy of alcohol-based hand sanitizers against SARS-CoV-2. Infectious Disease Reports, 12(2), 236-238.
• Boyce, J. M., & Pittet, D. (2002). Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings. CDC, HICPAC.
• Arbogast, K., Bennett, S., & Liu, X. (2021). Impact of skin irritation on hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Hygiene, 18(4), 165-172.
• Samaranayake, L. P., & Samaranayake, P. (2017). The significance of hand hygiene in infection control. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Therapy, 5(3), 260-263.