Knowledge Base: Disinfection

Consistent implementation of the DDM strategy—Distance-Disinfection-Mask—has contributed to a significant reduction in the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. As a result, most restrictions in our country were lifted at the end of March. This does not mean that COVID-19 and other infectious diseases have disappeared, so it is still important to maintain the highest standards of hygiene. Beware, however, of pseudo-disinfection! Liquids of unknown origin, poured into applicators meant for professional biocidal products; preparations with the smell of unrefined alcohol that are highly irritating to the skin; and products distributed without labels are common in public spaces, such as stores, restaurants, and even schools. These practices are not only dangerous from a medical standpoint but also illegal. Is there any way we can protect ourselves from fake disinfection?

Taking care of one’s health, physical condition, and appearance is becoming the norm in today’s society. Both women and men are increasingly visiting beauty salons, hairdressers, or the increasingly popular barbers. Visits to tattoo parlors are no longer surprising, and aesthetic medicine procedures are becoming more and more common.  

The pandemic has caused more and more people to recognize the need for high standards of hygiene. At the same time, many products have appeared on the market described on their packaging as “innovative” and “effective.” How can you navigate this hygiene maze, especially since so many myths and unsubstantiated claims have arisen around disinfection itself—one of the key elements of hygiene? On International Nurses and Midwives Day—as these professionals are experts in hygiene—we debunk the five most common myths about disinfectants.

There are many hand care products on the market labeled “kills germs.” This slogan is not precise. The word “germs” itself can be interpreted in several ways, just like “kills.” Many people also confuse antibacterial products with those used for hand and surface disinfection. To choose the right and effective product, it’s worth learning some useful information about these items beforehand. You’ll find the most important details below.

Vacation is the perfect time to explore new places, meet up with friends and extended family, and catch up on rest and rejuvenation. During the increased mobility of the vacation season, the spread of viruses and bacteria is one of the main challenges, and health safety becomes extremely important. In today’s blog post, we’ll discuss a few practical tips that will allow you to enjoy your vacation while taking care of your health and that of your loved ones.

High-level hygiene and disinfection are associated with hospital wards and infectious disease units for good reason. It is the healthcare sector that sets the standards for maintaining high levels of hygiene. And since we should learn from the best, perhaps it’s worth incorporating some of these professional methods of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene into our daily lives? Dr. Radosław Starownik, MD, director of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 4 in Lublin —the largest hospital in the region and the ninth largest in Poland—explains how medical staff deal with bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and what they look for when selecting hygiene products. We invite you to watch the interview with the expert responsible for organizing the hygiene maintenance process!

The fall and winter months are a time when viruses, including the flu virus and noroviruses, spread easily. The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 5%–10% of adults and 20%–30% of children may get the flu each year. Vaccinations play a significant role in preventing infections, although they are not very popular in Poland—during the 2019–2020 season, only 4.12% of the population was vaccinated against the flu. Other preventive measures include hand and surface disinfection. 

We’re slowly returning to normal, and the beauty industry is getting back to the work it craves. We’ve all been waiting for this day—salon owners, their staff, and above all, CUSTOMERS. And although most salons were exemplary in following disinfection and hygiene procedures when working with clients before the pandemic, new, special rules have been introduced since the lockdown was lifted. Let’s take a look at them. 

The first ones were made of leather and were already in use in the nineteenth century. Over time, their use became increasingly widespread. They were used by midwives, surgeons, and infectious disease specialists. In 1987, for the first time in the history of medicine, the U.S. recommended their use in all patient contact. Today, their use has extended beyond healthcare needs—we all wear them every day to protect ourselves from SARS-CoV-2 infection. What should you know about medical and protective gloves?