Countering the "infodemic"
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Facts about SARS CoV-2 and how to prevent infection
HARTMANN have been following the recent development regarding the outbreak of SARS CoV-2. Authorities worldwide established extensive measures to prevent a further spread. It is important to take the outbreak and its potential consequences seriously. But it’s just as important to keep calm and look at the scientific facts at hand.
Coronaviruses belong to the family of Coronaviridae. These enveloped viruses may cause respiratory tract infections, such as colds, bronchitis or pneumonia and gastrointestinal infections.
In December 2019, several cases of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) were reported in Wuhan City (China). The disease is called Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19). Further important representatives within the family of Coronaviridae are: SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus) and MERS-CoV (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus).
Hygiene measures can considerably reduce the risk of infection with coronaviruses. One crucial element of infection prevention is a consequent basic hygiene including hand disinfection and
surface disinfection.
Coronaviruses may cause respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or gastrointestinal infections. Symptoms include fever, headache, runny nose or cough. But some coronaviruses may also cause severe lower respiratory tract infections like pneumonia or bronchitis which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Focus on basic hygiene measurements in general. Always use disinfectants with an efficacy against enveloped viruses.HARTMANN disinfection products for hands (Sterillium range), skin (Cutasept range), surface (Bacillol range, Kohrsolin range, Mikrobac range, Dismozon range) and instruments (Bomix plus, Korsolex range) fulfil the requirements and can be used. For terminal disinfection peroxide-based products (Dismozon range) should be used.
With this training we would like provide you with backround information about SARS-CoV-2: What you should know about viruses, how to prevent a transmission, more about the disease COVID-19 etc.. In addition, you will receive helpful information about the properties a disinfectant must have and what needs to be considered when buying in private.
Protect yourself and others. Stay informed, stay healthy! Discover now!
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How is the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 transmitted?
Coronaviruses like SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 are primarily transmitted via droplet infection. This transmission can take place directly from individual to individual when droplets containing the virus reach the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Transmission by way of smear infection via the hands, as with influenza for example, is also not ruled out in principle.
You can find more information at:
https://www.rki.de/EN/Home/homepage_node.html
https://www.infektionsschutz.de/coronavirus-sars-cov-2.html#c11964
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
Which hand disinfectants are effective against the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2?
SARS-CoV-2 can be deactivated with alcohol-based disinfectants. All BODE disinfectants for hands (Sterillium® products), distributed by HARTMANN, are effective against SARS-CoV-2.
Just like the other coronaviruses, the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped virus. Disinfectants with at least the activity spectrum virucidal against enveloped viruses are effective against enveloped viruses. Generally, all products with the activity spectrum virucidal against enveloped viruses, virucidal against enveloped viruses PLUS and virucidal can be used.
Which products can be used for disinfection?
Disinfectants that are effective against enveloped viruses should be used to inactivate coronaviruses like SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV und MERS-CoV.
BODE disinfectants for hands (Sterillium® products), surfaces (Bacillol® products, Kohrsolin® products, Mikrobac® products, Dismozon® products) and instruments (Bomix® plus, Korsolex® products), distributed by HARTMANN, meet the requirements for virucidal activity against enveloped viruses and can be used.
Generally, all products with the activity spectrum virucidal against enveloped viruses, virucidal against enveloped viruses PLUS and virucidal can be used. The recommended contact times must be observed due to the different purposes.
You can find more information on BODE disinfectants here.
Can expired containers still be used (opened and unopened) after the stated expiry date?
Products may only be used until the printed expiry date.
Please also observe the respective shelf life after opening a product at:
https://produktkatalog.bode-chemie.de/produkte/download/Haltbarkeit_Anbruchgebinde.pdf
Can I disinfect my children's hands?
Our hand disinfectants have not been tested on children's skin. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for an individual assessment in this regard.
How often do I have to disinfect my hands to protect myself from infection with SARS-CoV-2?
We generally recommend event-related hand hygiene, e.g. after contact with infected individuals, or after contact with potentially contaminated surfaces. With hand hygiene, it is important to moisten your hands completely for 30 seconds and to not forget your fingertips.
WHO recommends the use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants or regular and thorough hand washing, also in relation to the outbreak of the coronavirus. In addition, you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and protect against infection by coughing and sneezing into the crook of your arm (coughing and sneezing etiquette) as well as keeping your distance from infected individuals.
Also read:
https://www.rki.de/SharedDocs/FAQ/NCOV2019/FAQ_Liste.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
The five moments of hand hygiene:
https://www.bode-science-center.de/haendehygiene/haendedesinfektion/detail-haendehygiene/article/die-fuenf-momente-der-haendehygiene.html
Hand disinfection at home:
https://www.bode-science-center.de/haendehygiene/haendedesinfektion/detail-haendehygiene/article/haendedesinfektion-im-privaten-umfeld-liegt-es-auf-der-hand-warum-ist-haendedesinfektion-wichti.html
Is hand disinfection sufficient or do I also have to wash my hands?
Visibly soiled hands should always be washed, especially after going to the toilet. A general combination of hand disinfection and washing does not achieve an additional effect and may damage the skin's barrier. Our hand disinfectants contain lipid replenishers and skin care substances that can remain on the skin without any problems.
I have a bad sore throat and slightly elevated temperature. Are these symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), a suspected case is when
If symptoms occur without staying in a risk area or without contact with an infected person, a test should only be considered if
In all other cases, a test is not necessary.
In general, experts warn against ignoring the flu in addition to the coronavirus. With around 3.8 million doctor's visits in the winter of 2018/2019 and 18,000 infected individuals that were treated in hospitals, the flu is far more widespread in Germany.
You can find a list of the current risk areas here.
I travel a lot for work with public transport. How can I protect myself against the influenza virus and the coronavirus?
Generally, the same measures that apply to the prevention of any respiratory virus are recommended: good hand hygiene, frequent hand washing (with soap for 20 seconds), alternatively the use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants that are effective against enveloped viruses, good coughing and sneezing etiquette as well as keeping a distance from infected individuals.