Sanitize Your Nose: Help Protect Yourself and Others from Infection.

Posted on Thursday, July 16th, 2020  --Health

Most people know that practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing or sanitizing the hands regularly, can help reduce the risk of infection. However, many are overlooking a key culprit in the spread of germs: the nose. Together with hand hygiene, sanitizing the nose is a simple step than can help prevent the spread of germs and enhance overall health.The moist, hairy skin inside the nostrils is the perfect environment for potentially dangerous germs to grow and multiply. The nose is like a revolving door for germs, allowing them to enter and exit the body. Sneezing, coughing or touching the nose can spread infectious germs to others. In turn, touching the nose – which a person does more than 100 times a day on average – can also spread germs from the hand to the nose. But sanitizing the nose interrupts the cycle of contamination between the hands and nose and can help reduce the spread of germs that cause infection.Sanitizing the nose, also referred to as nasal decolonization, is a proven infection prevention measure that has been practiced by health care professionals for decades.A 2020 American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC) study shows a decrease in infections to zero when an alcohol-based nasal antiseptic is added to existing infection prevention protocols. Due to the extensive research showing that sanitizing the nose significantly reduces infection rates, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all hospitals include nasal decolonization of patients in certain situations in which they are at a higher risk of infection.Despite being an established health care practice, only 3 out of 10 Americans understand that sanitizing the nose helps reduce infection risk, according to a recent survey by YouGov.*Given the positive impact that hospitals have seen with sanitizing patients’ noses, it is time this practice is adopted by the general public. Health care experts advise that sanitizing the nose is a simple and effective way to help protect oneself and others from infection and should be part of daily hygiene practices.It is important to note that not all nasal products are formulated to kill germs in the nose. Many over-the-counter nasal hygiene products can help clean but do not sanitize the nose. These include products such as nasal sprays to help alleviate dryness, congestion or inflammation from cold, flu or allergies; nasal rinse products that flush out mucus and debris from the nose; and steam or humidifiers that help loosen mucus in the nose.There are three solutions currently available that are proven to kill germs in the nose and are clinically supported with hospital studies: alcohol-based nasal antiseptic (Nozin), povidone iodine antiseptic (various brands, including 3M) and mupirocin antibiotic (various brands, including Bactroban).Learn more about the role of the nose in preventing the spread of infection at SanitizeYourNose.org.

*Figures are from YouGov Plc. Fieldwork was undertaken between 21st – 26th May 2020, the survey was carried out online and the total sample size was 1301 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18+). The national survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of Nozin.

Discover the Potential Immune-System Benefits of Vitamin D

 A healthy immune system is important at all times, but especially so in these days of the novel coronavirus and heightened awareness about the spread of germs.You can support a healthy immune system by eating well, getting plenty of sleep, and exercising. Supplements with vitamins that support the immune system, such as vitamin D, may help, too. Sunlight remains a key source of vitamin D, but supplements may be increasingly beneficial as people are less able to get outside. This is especially true for those who live in the northern hemisphere.Vitamin D has the science to back up its potential as an immune- system support. In 2017, the British Medical Journal published a meta-analysis of 25 studies in which vitamin D showed the potential to protect against acute respiratory tract infections, especially among individuals who were also deficient in vitamin D.In addition, Dr. Tom Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an interview with Fox News in March that taking a multivitamin containing vitamin D or a vitamin D supplement was good practice for overall health, and it certainly couldn’t hurt when it comes to helping to boost immune resistance to infection.However, not all vitamin D supplements are created equal. A vitamin D supplement must be easily absorbed by the body in order to provide much value. Many vitamin D supplements offer poorly absorbed forms of vitamin D in doses far too low to replenish a vitamin D deficit, much less offer therapeutic benefits for the immune system.It’s best to choose a supplement that includes vitamin D3, which is the most easily absorbed form of vitamin D, as well as Vitamin K2, such as the supplement produced by Lively Vitamin Co. Their product, Solar Power, combines vitamins D3 and K2 to provide the body with maximum therapeutic value. This combination improves total absorption rates and utilization in the body.A blend of these two vitamins is engineered to help promote a healthy immune system and cardiovascular health. But the benefits don’t stop there. Vitamin D3 supplements like Solar Power can also help the body absorb calcium and build stronger bones to help prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin D even plays a role in regulating mood and helping to reduce seasonal depression.However, be sure to check for possible drug interactions with any prescription medications you are taking before you take vitamin D or other supplements.For more information about vitamin D and other ways to improve your health and boost your immunity, visit findyourhealthyplace.com.