Hand Washing with 4% CHG Antiseptic Kills Flu Viruses

/PRNewswire/ -- Hand washing with a 4% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) antiseptic hand washing product is one effective way to stop the spread of the H1N1 Swine Flu Virus.

Hibiclens Antiseptic/Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser and Hibistat Healthcare Personnel Hand Antiseptic Towelettes have been tested and found to be effective against a variation of the A H1N1 Swine Flu Virus, when used according to package instructions. The strain tested was Swine Flu Influenza A H1N1 A/Swine/Iowa/15/3.

The time-kill study, conducted by an independent laboratory showed that Hibiclens(R), a 4% CHG product, reduced the virus by 99.94 percent after 30 second, 60 second, and three minute exposures. Hibistat(R), a 0.5% CHG and 70% isopropyl alcohol formulation, reduced the virus by 99.99 percent after 15 second, 30 second and 60 second exposures. Both Hibiclens and Hibistat were more effective than soap and water which was used as a comparator test product.

"With any type of influenza outbreak, managing the spread of virus is the biggest concern," said Carolyn Twomey, RN, Global Head of Clinical Services, Molnlycke Health Care. "Influenza viruses usually spread via sneezing and coughing and contaminating one's hand or hands, and then touching surfaces, shaking hands or other contact behaviors. With any influenza outbreak, good hand hygiene is extremely important. With the current strains of flu virus, this study shows that washing with Hibiclens or using Hibistat Hand Wipes provides additional benefit in preventing transmission."

"Use of Molnlycke Health Care's Hibiclens and Hibistat antimicrobial/antiseptic products, along with the company's line of surgical facemasks and respirators, can be an integral part of a protocol to reduce the risk of cross-contamination," Twomey said.

Hibiclens is an antimicrobial/antiseptic cleanser that kills germs on contact and bonds with the skin to keep killing microorganisms for up to six hours without leaving a residue. The same cleanser combined with alcohol is available in convenient Hibistat(R) towelettes. Both are available at drug stores and pharmacies in the first aid section.

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