What do you think....

[surfjunkie]

is the validity of this that I read on MSN today?


When researchers from Children's Hospital in Boston studied 292
families for five months, they found that those who carried hand
sanitizers with them had 59 percent fewer cases of stomach bugs than
nonusers. That's because, when used correctly—squirt out enough gel so
your hands still feel damp after rubbing together for 10 to 15
seconds—these products nearly eliminate germs.


Sounds good to me, but how true can it be? We have all read that Purell, etc. doesn't kill the norovirus, so, what do you think?

[crimgoddess]

I think in studies such as this, variables are usually confounded. As in, the people given the hand sanitizers are also given information related to how important clean hands are in the spread of illness. This also makes them more aware of their surroundings, and more likely to practice better hygiene in general. That, and purely seeing the sanitizer makes your mind automatically think "gee, dirty hands = illness", so you are more likely to be aware of your surroundings and actions.


It's important to realize that A+B does not automatically = C, especially since we know that scientifically, sanitizer doesn't kill noro. Since we know this to be the case, I think we need to be very suspicious of results such as this. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is


That, and in relation to the people in the group that were not given the sanitizer, I would like to know if they used self-report in recording illness, or of they actually tested their stool. We all know that feeling 'sick' doesn't necessarily mean that you are sick, or have something contagious.


Maybe I am just naturally suspicious of MSN news ingeneral, lol.


*amber*

[californiagirl]

What I will never understand is, how on earth, can several "studies" performed one ONE product, produce so many different results??!!? It really is very frustrating.[img]smileys/smilies_05.gif[/img]

[calibmom24]

I read about this study a year ago. I believe it. My childrens doctor said it works and if you think about it the people who use it and their children that use it really tend to get sick less.

[HDogg]

I think I've heard that it's the vigorous rubbing of hands together that kills the germs--not so much antibacterial soap. I hear normal bar soap works just as well for this reason. And because antibacterial doesn't kill viruses, just like antibiotics don't. But the heat from rubbing your hands together does. And because more health conscious people tend not to get sick as often because they actually wash their hands after using the restroom, and probably eat healthier, immune boosting diets.