Influenza A (H1N1) is becoming a major concern for companies, local authorities, public services, schools, nurseries and hospitals.
H1N1 virus
It is a so-called "enveloped" virus, i.e. it has an outer lipid layer. This structure can be disrupted by detergents (e.g. soaps) or disinfectant solutions that are active on the influenza A virus.
Mode of transmission
The transmission of the virus appears to be similar to that of a seasonal flu:
- by air (coughing, sneezing or spitting)
- close contact with a person with influenza A (hands, hugs...)
- transmission via objects (door handle, public transport, telephone...) A effective and regular hygiene is essential to limit the spread of the influenza A H1N1 virus.
Gel or disinfectant solution?
How to check the effectiveness of a hand disinfectant gel or solution?
As the Biocide Directive 98/8/EC has not yet been implemented (implementation planned for 2013), hand sanitizers are not yet subject to the pre-marketing authorization (PMA) system in France.
- However, there are some markings on the product label that can help you make your choice:
- NF EN 14476 standard, which allows to test the efficiency of the disinfectant product on naked viruses (which are more resistant than enveloped viruses)
- activity test according to the methodology of standard NF EN 14476 on the seasonal influenza A virus (H1N1 or H3N2) or on another representative (H5N1).
Finally, the use of gel or disinfectant solutions for the hands does not in any way exempt regular hand washing with soap (liquid soaps are to be preferred to solid soaps). It is also very important to respect a minimum washing time of 30 seconds, to rinse well and then to dry the hands correctly. Indeed, humidity seems to favour the transmission of the virus.
Solutions IBL Specifik for H1N1 disinfection
The company IBL Specifik markets soaps and disinfectant solutions for the hands based on peracetic acid having obtained the NF EN 14476 standard. Contact us for more information.
Source: Afssaps (French Health Products Safety Agency)
Download the article in pdf format:
How to choose the right hand sanitizer against influenza A?.pdf