Do you use the hand-sanitiser?

[DonnaK]

Yes, we use them. On our last cruise on the Mariner, the "sanitizer police" got pretty aggressive after severl people refused to use the sanitizer. Not a pretty sight! :eek:

 

The sanitizer police was out in full force on our recent Jewel cruise too!

 

I prefer soap and water, but I will use the hand sanitizer too. I don't like it, as it makes the skin on my hands dry and itchy, but I am a rules follower. lol

[pscozz702]

My DW is a nurse in the inner city she washes and uses the sanitizer always but got the noro on Radiance for her 45th birthday (sad she missed it in Cozumel). Sanitizers were present but enforced after the out break, I don't understand why its not enforced always. I use them always even when getting back on ship after being in port.if it works then use it if not at least you will kill some other bacteria that would make someone sick. I like NCL's

"Washy washy" people spraying the hands before entering the buffet, but the other restaurants it is left up to you, they are there to be used so use them.

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[BeachChik]

My DW is a nurse in the inner city she washes and uses the sanitizer always but got the noro on Radiance for her 45th birthday (sad she missed it in Cozumel). Sanitizers were present but enforced after the out break, I don't understand why its not enforced always. I use them always even when getting back on ship after being in port.if it works then use it if not at least you will kill some other bacteria that would make someone sick. I like NCL's

"Washy washy" people spraying the hands before entering the buffet, but the other restaurants it is left up to you, they are there to be used so use them.

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Why don't they force everyone to use them? Because I am an adult and can make my own decisions. As I already said I prefer to just wash my hands and will use sanitizer if a sink is not available, for example at a fair. Plus some people are allergic to some of the chemicals in sanitizer. There is still a lot of debate on the good vs bad of hand sanitizer.

 

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/hand-sanitizers-healthy-or-hype

 

 

"Americans spend $175 million on hand sanitizers that claim to kill 99.9 percent of germs, but all too often, we’re not getting the protection we’re paying for. Studies show that sanitizers aren’t very effective against some of the germs we fear most, including colds, flu and the nasty stomach bug norovirus.

 

However, there’s also research showing that alcohol-based sanitizers can reduce overall rates of GI infections, cut the number of days kids stay home sick from school, and lower illnesses among college students living in dorms.

 

New studies also raise concern about potential health risks from a widely used hand gel ingredient—and there’s also evidence that many of us use these disinfectants incorrectly. To sift through the confusion, I talked to several infection-control experts.

 

Hand gels don’t cut through grime.

One type of hand sanitizer actually raises bacteria counts.

Not all disinfectants are equally effective.

Alcohol-based gels and sprays only kill certain microbes.

There’s not much evidence that sanitizers prevent colds and flu

An ingredient in many hand sanitizers, soaps, and deodorants may harm the heart and muscles.

Exposure to everyday germs during childhood may prevent diseases later in life. "

 

I will continue to wash my hands and only use sanitizer on an as needed basis. Plus I believe that people skip washing their hands and use sanitizer instead because they think its this magic soap that will take care of everything. So it provides a false sense of security IMO.

[lovetocruiserccl]

@ slugger27nj..you must have been on the Explorer...Washy washy......all day everyday.

 

Love To Cruise RCCL

[molsonschooner]

I usually do but on the last TA a few days into the cruise and my hands broke out in a itchy rash. Using soap and water and cloth wipes was fine. I did note that most people did use the hand sanitizers.

This also happens to my DW so she just uses soap and water. I too think soap and water is more effective than the sanitizer.

[Paul65]

It's somewhat inaccurate to say that alcohol-based sanitizers do nothing against Norovirus, but Noro is pretty tough, and sanitizers are not very effective. Hand-washing is the best, but sanitizers help a little (and help a lot with some other bacteria and viruses).

 

So, it's not a bad idea to use them, as long as you understand that it's not even close to an equal substitute for good hand washing.

[OCruisers]

To sift through the confusion, I talked to several infection-control experts.

 

Hand gels don’t cut through grime.

One type of hand sanitizer actually raises bacteria counts.

Not all disinfectants are equally effective.

Alcohol-based gels and sprays only kill certain microbes.

There’s not much evidence that sanitizers prevent colds and flu

An ingredient in many hand sanitizers, soaps, and deodorants may harm the heart and muscles.

Exposure to everyday germs during childhood may prevent diseases later in life. "

 

:D After reading all of that I'm rather glad I'm allergic to hand sanitizers!

 

LuLu

~~~~~

[teajak]

I am one who may not. Often I have JUST walked from the restroom where I thoroughly washed my hands, then opened the door with a paper towel, and walked without touching anything to the Windjammer.

 

I dislike that stuff a lot. Soap and water are a much better preventative for passing germs.

 

:)

My thoughts exactly

[wwcruisers]

I totally agree that there is absolutely no substitute for frequent and proper hand-washing. However, we also bring a small Lysol spray and wipes for the cabin. When it comes to hand sanitizers, I bring travel-sizes from Bath & Body works. To me, their products are not as harsh on my skin (and smell better, to boot :cool:) than Purell. Of course, if I leave mine in the room, I'm happy to use the hand sanitizer at the dining area. When it comes to avoiding Noro, I've always felt that my health is (literally) in my own hands! ;)

[chrisb74]

Of course. It's readily available, free and easy to use on the way in to food venues and is one extra step to help stop my holiday turning to crap (literally).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[Tudorcruisers]

I absolutely refuse to use them, but most will not notice I don´t:D.

 

As I don´t want to waste any vacation time arguing with the greeters about the nonsense of the sanititzers and they are just doing their Jobs with no knowledge about the whole thing anyway and I don´t want to make their jobs harder, I have figured out to move my Hand under the dispenser, trigger that little sound indicating sanitizer has dispensed, but I have moved my Hand to the side already and all sanitizer just went down to the waste:D

 

Never got sick not using it and when I will get sick I´m sure using the sanitizer wouldn´t have prevented it.

 

Really hoping you go to wash-room and wash your hands seeing you don't want to use the sanitiser!!

[bighairtexan]

THERE ARE HAND SANITIZERS THAT SUPPOSEDLY KILL NORO:

 

One such is Germstar Noro

 

http://www.germstar.com/us/germstar-products/hand-sanitzers/germstar-noro/

 

It's not the main ingredient (alcohol) as much as the emollients that make it more bio-available, and they don't include glycerin which is in many hand sanitizers. Glycerin has been shown in some studies to protect the noro virus.

 

I don't think this is a substitute for thorough hand washing and I also don't know if this is the preparation that the ships use.

 

There is also a Purell product (not the Purell we buy at Walmart) that is "advanced" and is useful against noro.

 

Even the CDC website recommends alcohol based sanitizers as an adjunct (not substitute for) hand washing to prevent noro. From the CDC website:

 

Stop the Spread of Norovirus

Practice proper hand hygiene

Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

[Paulxyz2004]

Really hoping you go to wash-room and wash your hands seeing you don't want to use the sanitiser!!

 

 

You will never know:p

With hand hygiene being part of my hrofession I would bet some money, my hands will have less bacteria / virus on them compared to the majority of pax having used the sanitizer provided.

 

I see People doing that "washy washy":rolleyes: Routine and Keep thinking - people what you are doing does nothing. People are just not trained in properly use Hand sanitizers. They are not to blame for this, but IMO it´s a higher risk as People will think they are safe from using the sanitizer.

[pscozz702]

Beachchik, I never said force, I said enforce. Verbally say use this if you want to enter if not other passengers can avoid them. I know you are aware of what you do, but some people only care about themselves. Some people were brought up without manners either I would never force politeness on one of them. I am just saying to those that don't care about themselves should at least think about others...use tongs for food rather than hands type of thing

 

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[pscozz702]

Let me as this...Those who wash your hands how do you open the bathroom door? Bare handed or with the towel? If bare handed you contaminated your self thus doing it to others.

 

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[montekat]

I am one who may not. Often I have JUST walked from the restroom where I thoroughly washed my hands, then opened the door with a paper towel, and walked without touching anything to the Windjammer.

 

I dislike that stuff a lot. Soap and water are a much better preventative for passing germs.

 

:)

 

I agree with you absolutely. Do I need to wear a sign saying I just washed my hands to make people happy? I don't care for the alcohol based stuff either, it is not as effective as one would believe.

[BeachChik]

Let me as this...Those who wash your hands how do you open the bathroom door? Bare handed or with the towel? If bare handed you contaminated your self thus doing it to others.

 

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I wonder what the world did before hand sanitizer? They survived. When I was little we used to drink out of a garden hose and still managed to survive. Imagine the germs that we ingested. People today are paranoid about every little germ. Germs and bacteria help to build up your immune system. If you are never exposed you are more susceptible to them.

 

I will continue to avoid hand sanitizer and just wash my hands regularly. And shockingly even though I rarely use hand sanitizer, I can't remember the last time I was sick.

[sleepless]

I wonder what the world did before hand sanitizer? They survived. When I was little we used to drink out of a garden hose and still managed to survive. Imagine the germs that we ingested. People today are paranoid about every little germ. Germs and bacteria help to build up your immune system. If you are never exposed you are more susceptible to them.

 

I will continue to avoid hand sanitizer and just wash my hands regularly. And shockingly even though I rarely use hand sanitizer, I can't remember the last time I was sick.

 

 

Beach Chick,

 

I have to agree with you. People are paranoid about germs; yet, we need exposure to germs so that our bodies can learn how to fight them on their own. I avoid hand sanitizers. I also avoid dish washing liquids and had soaps that have the words "antibacterial" on their labels. I have NEVER had the flu; the last stomach virus (noro) I had was well over 10 years ago. I had strep throat only once in my life. I am 60+ years of age, and will stick with frequent hand washing.

[ssb]

Wash wash wash wash

Sanitise Sanitise Sanitise

Timing timing timing

Keep hands away from face

Don't shake hands

Stop all the kissing hello goodbye with friends

Think smart about it,

Like a lot of the posters suggestions

Air borne can be a problem

 

I Even got ill in Egypt

Sanitation sanitation sanitation !!!!!

What a susprise:rolleyes:

[crookedhalo]

I wonder what the world did before hand sanitizer? They survived. When I was little we used to drink out of a garden hose and still managed to survive. Imagine the germs that we ingested. People today are paranoid about every little germ. Germs and bacteria help to build up your immune system. If you are never exposed you are more susceptible to them.

 

I will continue to avoid hand sanitizer and just wash my hands regularly. And shockingly even though I rarely use hand sanitizer, I can't remember the last time I was sick.

 

Hear! Hear! I have problems with the ingredients in hand sanitizers and wipes, so they are a no go for me:) PLUS there are studies that indicate that the constant use of sanitizers actually is bad for you as not only does it kill the bad germs, it can kill the germs your body needs to be healthy:eek:.

 

I cannot tell you the number of times I have been in a restroom and watch a mother/grandmother line up her little ducklings and squirt hand sanitizer into their hands right next to the sink - that is insane!:p

 

I also have a sister who uses/buys anything that says "anti-bacterial" that she can find - she and her family always seem to be 'down with something' while I and my family skate through cold and flu season with nary an issue (don't even get me started on vaccinations or flu shots;)):D.

 

It's a personal thing and I have never had an issue on any cruise I've been on, but if they tried to force it, I would be down at GS in heartbeat:mad:.

[pscozz702]

Ok side note my previous posts were comments and questions from my DW, the nurse. Now personally from me I worked construction for a long time as well as a firefighter, we had no where to wash hands, sanitizers and lotions were from women, ate meals with the blackest of hands...as I said once before I am still alive. My DW caught the noro and was as sick as I've every seen anybody and then it hit me 3 days later but not as bad it did her, god it was awful. I haven't changed my ways, wash and sanitize now when I can but also have hands that look like they've crushed stones all day, and get grossed out by people that don't use utensils to get food in the buffet...weird, huh.

 

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[ozone34]

I always wash my hands after using the restroom, I have seen countless grown men use the toilet and then walk out without washing their hands, this always amazes me.

[skiiergirl]

On a recent cruise we noticed so many passengers just walking past the hand-sanitiser dispensers situated at the entrance to cafes and the MDR and the staff didn't seem to be even pointing out to people to use them.

 

In Wind-jammer on many occasions the tongs were actually left lying in the dishes which would mean if some-one hadn't cleaned their hands then any germs could end up on the food.

 

Made me realise no wonder certain sick bugs can travel so quickly around the ships.

 

Just out of interest wanted to see how many wash your hands in the wash-room or use the sanitiser or not?

 

That is the exact reason I carry a small bottle in my purse or pocket. I use the RC machines every time I pass them (WJ, MDR, casino) but then I also use my own. I use it on way into to MDR but then use my own after handling the menu they have given (in case previous folks handling hadn't sanitized). I use the machine on the entrance to WJ but then use my own before eating....after handling all of the tongs and spoons that others have handled...because we know there are folks that do not sanitize.

 

There are more germs/illnesses out there besides noro that you can be passing on!

[A&L_Ont]

Wash wash wash wash

Sanitise Sanitise Sanitise

Timing timing timing

Keep hands away from face

Don't shake hands

Stop all the kissing hello goodbye with friends

Think smart about it,

Like a lot of the posters suggestions

Air borne can be a problem

 

 

I agree 100%. I still hand shake, but wash up ASAP.

[crookedhalo]

WOW, just reading this is kind of scary. We are becoming a nation of phobics. I personally would be insulted if someone I just shook hands with 'discreetly' used sanitizer afterwards (no matter what you think, only an idiot wouldn't see you:(). Just WOW.