Workers should wash their hands often to protect themselves

Infection can spread from a door handle to half of office workers in just 2 hours, according to a new study. That's why people need to wash their hands at work, other than going to the toilet.

>>>Light is beneficial for the health of office people

To test the spread of infectious diseases at work, US researchers conducted a harmless microbial culture, but possessed many characteristics similar to norovirus (the group of viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting). Vomiting and abdominal pain - PV) enters a door handle in an office building, when starting a normal working day.

Every 2 hours, the team sampled 60 - 100 infectious objects, ie surfaces that could contain infectious organisms, such as electrical switches, push buttons (elevators, phones, .), warm coffee, faucet and computer.

Pressing the elevator button, using a desk phone, touching a computer keyboard and public surfaces such as door knobs are the reasons for the fastest spread of pathogens in the workplace.

Results revealed, within 2-4 hours, 40-60% of the objects were contaminated with test microorganisms. In particular, up to 60% of the workers in the building were found to "stick" the germ after 120 minutes.

Dr. Charles Gerba, who presented the research report before an infectious disease conference of the American Society for Microbiology, stated: "The results showed that the surface of infection at the workplace took place. A very simple intervention can significantly reduce exposure to viruses: use antibacterial wiping paper and wash your hands often at work, this is the best way to eliminate transmission germs. infected ".

Mr. Gerba added that, along with hand sanitizing, the use of disinfection ammonium wipes containing quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATS) is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency, which can resist pathogens like norovirus and The flu virus is very effective and reduces the risk of spreading the virus by 80-90%.

Previous research by Dr. Gerba has discovered that touching many different objects is the fastest way to spread a germ.

In 2010, a study revealed, more than 50% of employees in an office were infected with a virus after touching buttons in the elevator, computer keyboard and desk phone.

Gerba explains: "Most people think that coughing and sneezing spread germs. However, the number of objects you touch is very large, especially in the current generation of buttons. "We're pressing more buttons than any other generation in history. The key message is, stay home if you're sick."

The title has been changed.