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- You're packing for a trip: accompanying you on your journey are your spouse, children, the holiday gifts and... influenza, E.coli and a staph infection. Huh?
Whether traveling by airplane, bus or train, exposure to an array of harmful and potentially fatal bacteria and viruses is commonplace. Close contact in any environment represents a terrific opportunity for the rapid spread of harmful microbes.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that during an average year in the United States, more than 100,000 persons are hospitalized and more than 20,000 deaths are related to influenza. Additionally, there are an estimated 73,000 cases of E.coli infections resulting in 61 deaths in the United States each year. Unfortunately, this is just the tip of the iceberg. Altogether, infectious diseases lead to more deaths and serious health conditions than any other single high-profile disease, including heart disease and cancer.
Person-to-person and object to person contact are prevalent modes of transmission for microbes such as staph, E.coli, salmonella and others that cause such illnesses as the common cold and flu. The probability of transmission increases when personal hygiene or hand washing habits are inadequate. This is particularly true among toddlers who are not toilet trained. Family members and playmates of these children are at high risk of becoming infected and subsequently may pass the infection along to others. And while you may practice proper personal hygiene, your fellow travelers may not.
Treatment of an infection often includes a regimen of antibiotics and, depending on the severity, may include hospitalization. The best way to fight an infection is to not catch one at all.
According to the CDC, simple hand washing is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of germs and bacteria. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, including wrists, palms, backs of hands, fingers and underneath fingernails, with soap and water. Rub soap-lathered hands together for approximately 10-15 seconds and then rinse. For long-lasting protection, and in the absence of fresh soap and water, you might find it helpful to use an alcohol-free, germ-fighting hand sanitizer such as Preventx(R).
"When I travel among groups of people, no matter what mode of transportation, I apply Preventx to my hands and I swab it on the inside of my nostrils," said Eulene Richards of New York City. "I know it kills germs and I try to do everything I can to prevent myself from getting sick."
Most hand sanitizers contain alcohol, which evaporates in seconds and leaves the skin susceptible to germs. Preventx(R) Hand Sanitizer and First-Aid Antiseptic, from Empyrean Bioscience, Inc. (OTCBB: EMDG), contains no alcohol and kills 99.9 percent of disease-causing germs for up to four hours. Additionally, Preventx(R) is aloe-enriched to moisturize and condition your skin.
Here are some additional tips to help you and your family avoid contracting an infectious disease while traveling:
-- Always wash your hands as soon as possible after contacting surfaces in the public domain such as hand rails, counter tops and doorknobs.
-- Use an alcohol-free hand sanitizer after washing and when soap and water are not readily available.
-- Avoid touching your face.
-- Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing, and afterwards, wash your hands and use a hand sanitizer.
For more information on proper hand washing and the benefits of alcohol-free, long lasting sanitizers, visit www.preventx.com.
Preventx(R) is a registered trademark of Empyrean Bioscience, Inc.
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