A recent study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection tested ways to reduce the risk of infection from respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV), such as the common cold.
The team from Ruhr University Bochum in Germany confirmed that using alcohol-based surface disinfectants and hand sanitisers, as well as another surprising product, significantly reduced infection levels.
Disinfectants, hand sanitisers and... mouthwash
A test of five surface disinfectants containing alcohol, aldehyde and hydrogen peroxide successfully "inactivated" infectious viral particles on room-temperature stainless steel plates that could otherwise have remained (in decreased quantities) for a week or longer.
"In hospitals and medical practices in particular, it is therefore essential to disinfect surfaces on a regular basis," explained lead author of the study, Toni Luise Meister.
Additionally, a similar test in the same study confirmed the effectiveness of hand sanitisers with an alcohol content of at least 30%, such as those recommended by the World Health Organisation.
Most infections, however, are transmitted via droplets in the air. The study also showed that the risk of airborne transmissions by an infected person could be significantly decreased by that individual's regular use of mouthwash.
Specifically, three mouthwashes for adults and three of four children's mouthwashes reduced the amount of virus in the sample to the point that the virus could no longer be detected.
Related News
- Covid, colds, and flu: Belgium faces 'triple epidemic' this winter
- European health officials report 134 cases of salmonellosis linked to chicken
No longer at the mercy of the common cold
"If we assume that these results from the lab can be transferred to everyday life, we are not at the mercy of seasonal flu and common cold, but can actively prevent infection," said Meister.
"In addition to disinfection, people should wash their hands regularly, maintain a proper sneezing and coughing etiquette, and keep their distance from others when they are experiencing symptoms."
