What Are Germs?
Germs are tiny organisms, or living things, that can cause disease. Germs are so small and sneaky that they creep into our bodies without being noticed. In fact, germs are so tiny that you need to use a microscope to see them. When they get in our bodies, we don’t know what hit us until we have symptoms that say we’ve been attacked!
What Types of Germs Are There?
Germs are found all over the world, in all kinds of places. There are four major types of germs: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa. They can invade plants, animals, and people, and sometimes they make us sick.
Bacteria (back-teer-ee-uh) are tiny, one-cell creatures that get nutrients from their environment in order to live. In some cases that environment is the human body. Bacteria can reproduce outside of the body or within the body as they cause infections. Some infectious bacteria cause sore throats (called strep throat), ear infections, cavities, and pneumonia ( new-mo-nyuh).
Viruses (vy-rus-iz) can’t live outside of living cells. They need to be in or on a living thing like a plant, animal, or person in order to grow and reproduce. Whatever a virus lives in is called its host. When viruses get inside people’s bodies, they can spread and make people sick. Viruses cause chicken pox, measles, flu, and many other diseases.
Fungi (fun-guy) are multi-cell (made of many cells), plant-like organisms. Unlike other plants, fungi cannot make their own food from soil, water, and air. Instead, fungi get their nutrition from plants, people, and animals. They love to live in damp, warm places. An example of something caused by fungi is athlete’s foot, that itchy rash that teens and adults sometimes get between their toes.
Protozoa (say: pro-toh-zoh-uh) are one-cell organisms that love moisture and often spread diseases through water. Some protozoa cause intestinal infections that lead to diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain.
What Do Germs Do?
Once germs invade our bodies, they generally stay causing illness. Germs can eat up nutrients and energy, and can produce toxins which, cause symptoms of common infections, like fevers, sniffles, rashes, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How do doctors figure out what germs are doing? They take a closer look. By looking at samples of blood and other fluids under a microscope or sending these samples to a laboratory for more tests, doctors can tell which germs are living in your body and how they are making you sick.
What are the most common ways in which germs are transmitted?
CDC cites five common household scenarios in which disease-causing germs can be transmitted by contaminated hands.
Hands to food*
Food to hands to* food
Food to hands to others*
Infected infant to hands to other* children
Nose, mouth, or eyes to hands to others*
How can you protect yourself from germs?
Many germs are spread through the air in sneezes, coughs, or even breaths. Germs can also spread in sweat, saliva and blood. Some pass from person to person by touching something that is contaminated, like shaking hands with someone who has a cold and then touching your own nose. So the best way to protect yourself from germs is to steer clear of the things that can spread them:
Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cover your mouth when* you cough to keep from spreading germs.
Safe Hand Hygiene.
Washing or* sanitizing your hands well is often the best way to "Beat the Bug". Clean your hands every time you cough or sneeze, before and after you prepare foods or use the bathroom, after you handle money, and after you visit a sick relative or friend.
When should you wash or sanitize your hands?
You should wash or sanitize your hands often. Probably more often than you do now because you can’t see germs with the naked eye or smell them, so you do not really know where they are hiding.
It is especially important to wash your hands:
Before, during and after you prepare food*
Before you eat, and* after you use the bathroom
After handling animals or animal waste*
* When your hands are dirty, and
More frequently when someone in your home* is sick.
What is the correct way to wash your hands?
First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar of* soap on a rack and allow it to drain.
Rub your hands vigorously together* and scrub all surfaces.
Continue for 10-15 seconds or about time it takes* to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
Rinse well and dry* your hands.
It is estimated that one out of three people do not wash their* hands after using the restroom. So these tips are also important when you are out in public.
Washing your hands regularly can certainly save a lot on* medical bills. Because it costs less than a penny, you could say that this penny’s worth of prevention could save you a $50 visit to the doctor.
What is the correct way to sanitize your hands?
Apply a dime size amount of hand sanitizer to hands.*
Rub hands* thoroughly together until completely dry.
No rinsing or towels required.*
Is Aerelle® hand sanitiser, soap, wipes or surface cleaners?
Aerelle® is the brand name for a number of products, which provide germ-killing, antibacterial and antimicrobial characteristics for you and your family. Aerelle® has come to be known as one of the premier names in hand sanitisers, and has expanded its role in the fight against germs by introducing a complete line of personal care hand hygiene products.
What does Aerelle® hand sanitiser do?
Aerelle® kills 99.99% of many common harmful germs in as little as 15 seconds. It is designed to kill germs when you don’t have access to soap and water. It’s used on hands, without soap, water or towels, leaving them feeling refreshed and soft. Use it anytime, anywhere.
What is Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
Aerelle® instant hand sanitiser is designed to kill germs when you don’t have access to soap and water. Aerelle® can also be used after hand washing to kill any germs that may remain.
How do I use Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
Apply a dime-sized amount to dry hands. Rub together until dry. No rinsing required. No towels needed.
In what sizes are Aerelle® hand sanitisers available?
Aerelle® is offered in a variety of sizes and fragrances. See “Products” to find the size and fragrance to meet your needs.
Why should I use Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
Studies have shown that good hand hygiene is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 80% of all infectious illnesses are spread by the hands. Aerelle® hand sanitisers, Aerelle® foaming soaps, and Aerelle® soft wipes will help you and your family maintain good hand hygiene.
What ingredients are in Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
Aerelle® contains the active Ingredient: Ethyl Alcohol 62%. Aerelle® hand sanitisers also contain moisturizers, and other ingredients to provide optimal germ killing without the drying effects of other hand sanitisers. Some of the other ingredients include: Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Isopropyl Myristate, and Fragrance.
Isn't alcohol drying to the skin?
Alcohol by itself can have drying effects. Aerelle® hand sanitiser is made of ingredients, which contain moisturizers and vitamin E, along with the effective ingredient of alcohol. This combination gives effective germ killing power without drying your skin, with continued use throughout the day.
Aerelle® hand sanitiser or alcohol-based gel has been used and recommended by nurses and other caregivers for more than 10 years. According to the CDC, a properly formulated, alcohol-based hand sanitiser with emollients is actually better tolerated than soap-and-water hand washing - not drying and irritating.
Does Aerelle® hand sanitiser leave a residue?
No. Once Aerelle® is allowed to evaporate, there is virtually no residue or stickiness on the skin.
How often do I use Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
We recommend using Aerelle® anytime soap and water are not available for hand washing. For instance, after using public transportation, a public phone, changing a diaper, and before and after food preparation. Aerelle® can also be used at home and used after hand washing to help kill the germs that remain.
How long does Aerelle® hand sanitiser work?
Aerelle® has no residual germ-killing effect. Aerelle® kills germs on contact, but once it has evaporated, the germ killing action has stopped.
Where do the germs go?
Alcohol breaks down the germs’ cell walls causing them to die.
How can I tell that the Aerelle® instant hand sanitiser is working?
Aerelle® instant hand sanitiser works as the alcohol evaporates.
How Does Aerelle® instant hand sanitiser compare to antibacterial soap?
Aerelle® hand sanitiser is not a soap. Aerelle® hand sanitiser is a great hand hygiene solution when soap and water are unavailable. There is no need for water or towels. The active ingredient in hand sanitiser, alcohol, is more effective and faster acting against bacteria than most leading antibacterial soaps.
Where can I buy Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
Check out our “Where to Buy” section to find the nearest Aerelle® retailer.
I cannot get the pump on my Aerelle® hand sanitiser to pop up for use. How do I begin using my Aerelle® Hand Sanitiser?
o First, make sure the cap is on the bottle good and tight.
o Then look for the directional arrow on the top of the pump, it will show you which way to rotate the pump (counter clockwise).
o While turning the pump in the direction of the arrow, press down and add a bit of pressure. This will release the pump.
My Aerelle® is past the expiration date. Is it still OK to use?
These dates guarantee the effectiveness of the product. Once the expiration date has passed we cannot guarantee the effectiveness of Aerelle®.
Should I be concerned about any side effects of using Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
There are no side effects of using Aerelle® hand sanitiser.
Are Aerelle® products safe for Children?
Aerelle® hand sanitiser is safe for children when used according to the instructions on the bottle. We require that children only use these products under adult supervision.
What if my child swallows Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
If your child ingests Aerelle® hand sanitiser you should call, IMMEDIATELY:
o Your physician or pediatrician
o Your local poison control center
o National Poison Control Center immediately at TO BE ADDED
o On the Internet go to: www.TO BE ADDED
Is it safe to use your hands to eat or handle food with your hands right after using Aerelle® hand sanitiser?
Yes. Once the Aerelle® hand sanitiser has evaporated from your hands, which takes 15-30 seconds, your hands are safe to handle food.
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Does Aerelle® test it’s products on animals?
Aerelle® does not use animals to test its products, and Aerelle® does not request anyone to perform animal testing on its behalf. Safety and performance testing are done using the best predictive in vitro techniques available, and/or clinical studies using human volunteers, when appropriate.
What are Aerelle® sanitising wipes?
Aerelle® sanitising wipes is the name of Aerelle® antibacterial hand and face cloths. Aerelle® sanitising wipes are made of the highest quality spun lace material and offer the same germ killing characteristics of all the great Aerelle® antibacterial products. Aerelle® sanitising wipes deliver germ killing power with the convenience of a wipe. They are another great solution to keeping your family clean and safe from germs. They are ultra soft, ultra strong, ultra convenient wipes for the very best in germ protection for you family.
Are the Aerelle® sanitising wipes as effective as the Aerelle® hand sanitizer?
Yes, Aerelle® sanitising wipes deliver the same germ killing power as Aerelle® hand sanitizer. They are convenient, easy to carry and can be used anytime, anywhere. Another great solution to keeping your family clean and safe from germs.
Are Aerelle® sanitising wipes convenient to carry?
Aerelle® sanitising wipes can easily fit into a diaper bag, briefcase, backpack or car drink holder. The flip top canister is perfect for people on the go.
Are Aerelle® sanitising wipes biodegradable?
Aerelle® sanitising wipes are made from synthetic materials and, as a consequence, are not biodegradable.
How can I get my Aerelle® sanitising wipes ready for use?
Each package of Aerelle® sanitising wipes is sealed to ensure the quality and wetness of the wipes. Simply unseal the package, pull one of the wipes through the opening in the package and the product is ready to use.
Aerelle® is a Registered Trademark of Ardrich Limited, Auckland, New Zealand.
Ardrich Limited
31 Hannigan Drive
PO BOX 14688 Panmure
Auckland 1741
New Zealand
PH 64 570 2861
Fax 64 570 2864
info@ardrich.co.nz