Dettol
What are germs and how do they spread?1-6
Harmful bacteria (also known as “pathogens”) are microscopic organisms that may cause illness and infections if they get into our bodies. The most common types of germs are:
- Bacteria (e.g. Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning)
- Viruses (e.g. Rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold)
Different germs spread in different ways. Take bacteria - they can survive anywhere warm and moist in your home. But viruses are different. Being around one hundredth the size of a bacterium, viruses need to be inside a living host to reproduce. And it’s through this process that they can start affecting both you and the people you care about.
‘Bad germs’ can be lurking all around us
Some common places where your family may encounter them include:
GERMS CAN BE FOUND IN EVERYDAY PLACES
Good hygiene is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of germs.13
Spread the love, not the germs
With Dettol Hand Sanitiser &
Biodegradable Disinfectant Wipes
*E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella & antibiotic-resistant MRSA 90% biodegrades in 60 days in active landfill conditions. Not suitable for composting conditions.
References:
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Feb 2021).
2. Better Health Channel, Infections – bacterial and viral. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/infections-bacterial-and-viral (accessed Feb 2021).
3. MSD Manual Consumer Version, Overview of Bacteria. Available from: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infections/bacterial-infections-overview/overview-of-bacteria?query=Overview%20of%20Bacteria (accessed Feb 2021).
4. Thursby E, Juge N. Biochem J. 2017;474(11):1823-1836
5. Deo PN, Deshmukh R. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2019;23(1):122-128.
6. National Center for Health Research, Bacteria: the good, the bad and the ugly. Available from: https://www.center4research.org/bacteria-good-bad-ugly/#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20bacteria%20break%20down,promote%20repair%20of%20damaged%20tissue (accessed Feb 2021).
7. New South Wales Food Authority [Internet]. Silverwater NSW: NSW Food Authority. Kids lunch boxes. Available from: https://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/consumer/life-events-and-food/kids-lunch-boxes (accessed March 2021).
8. Beumer R, et al. Guidelines for prevention of infection and cross infection in the domestic environment. Milan (IT): International Scientific Forum on Home Hygiene; 2002 Mar. 44p. Available from: https://www.ifh-homehygiene.org/sites/default/files/publications/IFH-Guidelines%202002_last.pdf
9. Gerba CP, et al. Food Prot Trends. 2014;34(5):312-317.
10. Neu L, et al. npj Biofilms and Microbiomes. 2018;4:7.
11. Gerba CP, Maxwell S. Food Prot Trends. 2012;32(12):747-749.
12. Koscova J, et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2018;15(10):2238.
13. Better Health Channel [Internet]. Melbourne VIC: Victoria State Government Department of Health & Human Services. Personal Hygiene. [Updated June 2011]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/personal-hygiene (accessed Feb 2021).
14. Australian Department of Health [Internet]. Canberra ACT: Australian Department of Health. Stopping the spread of germs and disease. [Updated Nov 2010]. Available from: https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch1~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch1.6 (accessed Feb 2021).