Posted on 4th Aug 2009 @ 11:23 AM

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Swine Flu-Influenza Outbreaks

Healthcare Acquired Infections are believed to contribute to around 20,000 deaths a year in the UK alone. Steri-7™ is proven to kill the main micro-organisms that cause these infections.

Labelled ‘superbugs’ by the media, micro-organisms like MRSA, E. Coli and CD (Clostridium difficile) attack patients who have low immunity or are weak as a result of operations.

Those who survive hospital acquired infections often need a prolonged stay in care to recover, at a cost to the NHS that’s estimated to be over £1 billion a year.

Below is an outline of some of the greatest threats to patient safety today.

Bird Flu/Swine Flu

Bird Flu/Swine Flu are all strains of Influenza A virus subtype H1N1, also known as A(H1N1) or simply H1N1. It is a subtype of influenza and the most common cause of influenza in humans. Some strains of H1N1 are endemic in humans including the strain(s) responsible for the 1918 flu pandemic and the many strains that cause influenza worldwide each year. Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs and in birds.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a variety of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) that is resistant to several of the antibiotics commonly used to
treat it.

It is carried by 1 in 3 people and can be quickly spread by medical staff, patients and visitors through contact with infected surfaces and equipment. Although usually quiet harmless, it is particularly dangerous to already ill patients as it can lead to septicaemia or pneumonia.

In a series of BS EN clinical tests, Steri-7™ has been proven to kill MRSA for 7 days.

E. Coli (0157H)

E. Coli O157H is one of several hundreds of strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli.

Most of these strains are harmless, but the 0157H strain produces a powerful toxin that enters the blood stream and can result in acute renal failure. The elderly, the young and the already ill are most at risk.

E. Coli came to public prominence in the winter of 1996/1997, when a severe outbreak in Scotland killed 20 people.

In a series of BS EN clinical tests, Steri-7™ has been proven to kill E. Coli for 7 days.

Salmonella enteriditis

Salmonella enteriditis is a common illness carried in contaminated food that results in nausea, diarrhoea and fever.

It can be spread from contaminated to non-contaminated food if high hygiene standards are not rigorously adhered to, and if food handlers fail to wash their hands properly after going to the toilet.

In a series of BS EN clinical tests, Steri-7™ has been proven to kill Salmonella Enteriditis for 7 days.

Legionella pneumophila

Legionella pneumophila is a rod-shaped bacterium that causes Legionnaire's Disease.

When Legionella bacteria reach the lungs of human beings they can quickly cause acute respiratory failure. The bacteria can be transmitted by air conditioning cooling towers, shower heads, water pipes and humidifiers.

The worst outbreak of Legionnaire’s disease in the UK happened in Barrow in 2002 when seven people died and a further 172 contracted the disease. The cause was found to be faulty air conditioning.

In a series of BS EN clinical tests, Steri-7™ has been proven to kill Legionella pneumophila for 7 days.

Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile (CD) comes from the same family of bacteria that causes tetanus, botulism, and gas gangrene.

If a patient is infected, they are likely to suffer an episode of diarrhoea. This may be a mild dose or a severe one. In the worst cases, a CD infection can cause perforation of the intestine leading to potentially fatal peritonitis.

Steri-7™ is currently undergoing BS EN clinical tests to prove its effectiveness against Clostridium difficile. We shall include these results on our website as soon as we have them.
 
Steri-7™ uses a breakthrough called RBT (Residual Barrier Technology) to provide 7-day protection against bacterial and viral contamination.

When applied to a surface, floor, wall or even a fabric, the biocide in Steri-7™ kills the micro-organisms present in seconds. At the same time, a barrier is created that allows the biocide to go on working even when dry.

This means that any further bacteria introduced to the barrier will be killed, just as effectively, for 7 days after the initial application.

It's this two-pronged attack against germs and bacteria that makes Steri-7™ a genuine breakthrough in hygiene. And because it is ethanol-free and non-scented, it can be safely applied practically anywhere, including:

Walls, doors and floors
Worktops, food preparation areas and food trays
Sinks, baths, toilets and soap dispensers
Chairs, leather suites and mattresses
All of which is excellent news for any organisation demanding the highest standards of hygiene for their premises.