With the recent H1N1 outbreak, hand washing is being stressed. As nurses, we clean our hands when we enter a patient's room, and when we leave. We follow the same rules if we only touch equipment in the patient room.

So how do we do it? Which is better alcohol based gels/foams or soap and water?

CDC will tell you that the alcohol based cleaners will clean better than soap and water, and are less damaging to your skin.

Here's how to use it correctly:

Put enough on the palm of your hand

• Apply enough to cover all the surfaces of your hands
• Pay special attention to your finger tips, cuticles and between the fingers
• Use enough that it will take 15 seconds to dry
• Let it air dry

Now for soap and water

• The best soap is an antimicrobial soap.
• Wet your hands
• Apply the soap and wash for at least 15 seconds
• Extra attention to  area aroungfinger nails, and finger tips
• Rinse and dry with a paper towel
• Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet

I use the wipes in public places. I wipe off public tables we use, when I check in a hotel, I give the phone, clock, remote and lightswitch a wipe too. I use the household wipes at least once a week on the remotes, phones and keyboards. If someone is sick, I tend to do it often! The wipes fit nicely in the back of our Travel Rx Bag!

A special note to my son, Brian.

You're doing a great job as a dad. Yes, I notice that the kids wash their hands after using the bathroom and before eating.

I love you!!

Safe and healthy travel,

Bev and Chris