Bacteria have antibiotic resistance when they cannot be killed by an antibiotic. Remember it is the bacteria that are resistant NOT YOU! Even very healthy people who have never taken antibiotics can become infected with antibiotic resistant bacteria from other sources.
Select plain cleaning products not antibacterial products. Plain cleaning products remove germs without attacking them and do not lead to antibiotic resistance.
Antiseptics are products that kill germs on the skin. Hand sanitizers are actually antiseptics. Be sure to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol as the only active ingredient.
Soaps and detergents lift dirt, grease and germs and allow them to be rinsed away. Soaps have natural fats and oils whereas detergents are synthetic. Use plain soaps and detergents that do not contain antibacterial ingredients.
Bacterial infections are less common than viral infections and don’t spread as easily from one person to another.
Disinfectants will kill 99.9% of germs on hard, smooth surfaces. They must be used at the right concentration and for the right amount of time to be effective. Disinfectants are not intended for use on the skin.
When soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer to kill germs on your hands. Read the label to make sure that the alcohol content is at least 60%. Do not use alcohol free hand sanitizers. Only alcohol based hand sanitizers containing alcohol as the only active ingredient are recommended by the Public Health Agency of Canada
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health today. It is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. It is compromising our ability to treat infectious diseases and putting people everywhere at risk. WHO World Antibiotic Awareness Week
This national event is taking place Tuesday, May 5, 2020 and will coincide with a global initiative of the World Health Organization, “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands.”
To learn more go to: STOP! Clean Your Hands
Antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health today. It is rising to dangerously high levels in all parts of the world. It is compromising our ability to treat infectious diseases and putting people everywhere at risk. WHO World Antibiotic Awareness Week