Hand foot and mouth disease/ Fifths Disease and MRSA outbreaks

Hi Mama's

If you are not aware there have been massive outbreaks of Hand foot and mouth disease/ Fifths Disease and MRSA outbreaks, these are all 3 separate and non related viruses. They are going around the parks and schools etc... I have a question... does anyone know if lysol kills these viruses? Cause I have no problem showing up to a playground and coating everything with lysol before my son plays on it, but I am not sure if thats effective or if its just better to keep him away from playgrounds... although thats near impossible with a toddler. Anyone have any info?

Thank you!

Nat

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Hey Nat, good question!  I have no idea what the answer is, but post it on Mia Bella's facebook page -  you'll get a great answer from them.

Lysol definitely doesn't kill MRSA. 

Nat - I read some research a while back regarding bleach and MRSA - the question was just about bathtubs and a kid that had come down with MRSA - the physicians said bleach was what would kill it but of course that's great if it's a bathtub, another story on a place like the playground. Def heard also Lysol won't do anything for MRSA. 

No lysol will not kill MRSA. The only thing that will is the heavy duty cleaner that they use in the hospitals. This stuff you can't even touch without gloves causes its carcinogenic. Nasty stuff. Esssential oils can be used to treat viruses if you child comes down with it (hopefully that won't happen) Essential oils can actually get inside the cell to work against the bacteria. Its amazing stuff.

There is stuff called Hibi-clense available at drug stores that you can bathe with. I was a carrier for MRSA during my second pregnancy - it's actually very common - and my doc told me to use it before my scheduled c-section to rid myself of it before the hospital stay. I did and it worked. So, I don't know if it kills it, or if it just cleans you really well - but you could ask your pediatrician if it's safe for little ones to bathe in or at least wash their hands if you're really nervous about playgrounds.

Wait. Where have there been MRSA outbreaks?? Crap. Another thing to worry about.

The best thing you can do is make sure that you clean his hands after each outing and while you're out. Carry around purell or wet-ones and wipe everything down before you eat out... Make sure he doesn't share sippy cups with anyone. Even though kids may seem well, the incubation period for these diseases are up to 7 days so it's virtually impossible to predict (or figure out using hindsight) where they pick it up from. Even grown-ups who don't usually get the illness can carry and pass along the disease to other kids. So really, it's not preventable. Just keep A sanitized whenever possible.....or he could be the next Bubble Boy. I don't think it turned out well for that kid though....

Ok first of all, as a microbiologist speaking.... Go to the experts for information on such topics... One of my favorite resources is CDC.gov... Of course I read this when on iPad, not at home with laptop, but I can't not post on a micro topic. & thx nat for posting... Awareness is best protection!!


Short answer: there are different cleaners for different surfaces and to fight different things... I don't have a "Lysol" can in front of me, also keep in mind exposure time is very important.... Most people make the mistake of spray and wiping.... When some products require ten minute exposure or "soak time" to effectively kill the germs.

I cannot emphasize how important hand washing is.

Below is some good info I found.

Personal protection to prevent MRSA
http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/prevent/personal.html

"Protect yourself through good hygiene.
The key to preventing MRSA infections is for everyone to practice good hygiene:

Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub.
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors."

Cleaning to kill/prevent MRSA:
http://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/environment/index.html

"Environmental Cleaning & Disinfecting for MRSA
What’s the difference between cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants?
Cleaners or detergents are products that are used to remove soil, dirt, dust, organic matter, and germs (like bacteria, viruses, and fungi). Cleaners or detergents work by washing the surface to lift dirt and germs off surfaces so they can be rinsed away with water. The same thing happens when you wash your hands with soap and water or when you wash dishes. Rinsing is an important part of the cleaning process. Use these products for routine cleaning of surfaces.
Sanitizers are used to reduce germs from surfaces but not totally get rid of them. Sanitizers reduce the germs from surfaces to levels that considered safe.
Disinfectants are chemical products that destroy or inactivate germs and prevent them from growing. Disinfectants have no effect on dirt, soil, or dust. Disinfectants are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). You can use a disinfectant after cleaning for surfaces that have visible blood or drainage from infected skin.
Which disinfectants should I use against MRSA?
Disinfectants effective against Staphylococcus aureus or staph are most likely also effective against MRSA. These products are readily available from grocery stores and other retail stores. Check the disinfectant product’s label on the back of the container. Most, if not all, disinfectant manufacturers will provide a list of germs on their label that their product can destroy. Use disinfectants that are registered by the EPA (check for an EPA registration number on the product’s label to confirm that it is registered).

How should cleaners and disinfectants be used?
Read the label first. Each cleaner and disinfectant has instructions on the label that tell you important facts:

How to apply the product to a surface.
How long you need to leave it on the surface to be effective (contact time).
If the surface needs to be cleaned first and rinsed after using.
If the disinfectant is safe for the surface.
Whether the product requires dilution with water before use.
Precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves or aprons or making sure you have good ventilation during application.
Laundry
Routine laundry procedures, detergents, and laundry additives will all help to make clothes, towels, and linens safe to wear or touch. If items have been contaminated by infectious material, these may be laundered separately, but this is not absolutely necessary.

More about laundry...

Facility Cleaning & Disinfection after a MRSA Infection
When MRSA skin infections occur, cleaning and disinfection should be performed on surfaces that are likely to contact uncovered or poorly covered infections.
Cleaning surfaces with detergent-based cleaners or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered disinfectants is effective at removing MRSA from the environment.
It is important to read the instruction labels on all cleaners to make sure they are used safely and appropriately.
Environmental cleaners and disinfectants should not be used to treat infections.
The EPA provides a list of EPA-registered products effective against MRSA
Surfaces to Clean
Focus on surfaces that touch people’s bare skin each day and any surfaces that could come into contact with uncovered infections. For example, surfaces such as benches in a weight room or locker room.

Large surfaces such as floors and walls have not been directly associated in the spread of staph and MRSA.

There is no evidence that spraying or fogging rooms or surfaces with disinfectants will prevent MRSA infections more effectively than the targeted approach of cleaning frequently touched surfaces and any surfaces that have been exposed to infections.

Shared Equipment
Shared equipment that comes into direct skin contact should be cleaned after each use and allowed to dry. Equipment, such as helmets and protective gear, should be cleaned according to the equipment manufacturers’ instructions to make sure the cleaner will not harm the item.

More about Cleaning & Disinfecting Athletic Facilities for MRSA...

Cleaning Keyboards and other Difficult Surfaces
Many items such as computer keyboards or handheld electronic devices may be difficult to clean or disinfect or they could be damaged if they became wet. If these items are touched by many people during the course of the day, a cleanable cover/skin could be used on the item to allow for cleaning while protecting the item. Always check to see if the manufacturer has instructions for cleaning.

Is it Clean?
Although in most situations you will not know if a surface has been cleaned, it’s important to remember that most surfaces do not pose a risk of spreading MRSA. If cleaning procedures are unknown, take the appropriate precautions such as:

Using barriers like a towel or clothing between your skin and the surface.
Showering immediately after activities where you have direct skin contact with people or shared surfaces, such as after exercising at a health club.
Cleaning your hands regularly.
Keeping cuts and scrapes clean and covered with bandages or dressing until healed.
These precautions are especially important in settings such as in locker rooms, gyms, and health clubs."

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