The A (H1N1) flu has become a major concern for many companies, collectivities, public services, schools, kinder gardens, hospitals…
The contagion seems to occur in a similar manner as for the seasonal flu :

• airborne transmission through sneeze, cough or drop of saliva
• closed contact with someone already infected by the A (H1N1) flu (hug, kiss…)
• transmission via an object (handles, public transportation, phones…)

An efficient and regular hygiene is necessary to limit the spread of the influenza A H1N1 virus.

The H1N1 virus is an enveloped virus, i.e. it has a external lipid envelope. This structure can be broken by a detergent (i. e. soap) or a A flu virus-effective disinfecting solution.

How to make sure a hand gel or sanitizer is effective ?

As the biocide 98/8/CE directive is not applied yet (effective date of application: 2013), hand disinfectants are not subject to the authorization scheme before they are marketed in France. Nevertheless, some information on the label can help your choice :

• The NF EN 14476 standard, which helps in testing the disinfectant's efficiency on naked viruses (more resistant than enveloped viruses)
• The test of activity, in accordance with the NF EN 14476 standard, on the seasonal influenza A virus (H1N1 or H3N2) or another strain (H5N1)

Finally, the use of hand disinfecting gel or sanitizer does not exempt anyone from regular mechanic hand washing with soap (liquid soap are to favour). It is also very important to respect the 30-second washing duration, to properly rinse and then accordingly dry your hands. Indeed, humidity seems to ease the virus transmission.

The IBL Specifik company sells soap and hand disinfecting products based on peracitic acid which complies with the NF EN 14476 standards. Contact us for more information.

Reference: Anses (French agency for food, environmental and occupational health and safety)

Link to the original article:
http://www.afssaps.fr/content/download/21768/275024/version/3/file/Avis-desinfection-H1N1.pdf

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How to choose the disinfecting product against the A (H1N1) flu?.pdf