Classroom ?? for school age cfers

[anonymous]

My 6 yr old ds's 1st grade teacher handles the cleaning of the classroom differently than his kindergarten teacher. In kindergarten, she kept a spray bottle of bleach water for wiping down tables, disinfecting, etc. She also just had the kids wash up with soap and warm water in the washroom. His 1st grade teacher uses lysol or clorox wipes to disinfect everything (all children bring in 1-2 large containers at the start of the school year), and instead of using soap and water, they use the waterless hand purifier/sanitizers because they don't have a sink in their classroom. He does seem healthier this year. DO you think it's just a coincidence? Has anyone been told one is preferable over the other or are they both equally fine??
Thanks!

 

[anonymous]

I read a study that waterless hand purifier/sanitizers work better at fighting germs than soap and water. Therefore, hospitals are making waterless hand purifier/sanitizers available for all workers. I noticed that our hospital (Texas Childrens) made the switch too.
Sharon, mom to Sophia, 3 and Jack, 13 months both with cf

 

[Drea]

It may also be that the antibacterial "hanitizer" (as my daughter calls it) is used more often since it is easier to do than the soap and water thing.
Andrea
mom of Rachel 6 with CF and Jonathan 3 months carrier

 

[Liza]

Hi, I think it depends on who you talk too as to which is better. Those antibacterial hand sanitizers or soap and water. Some people think that we are using too much antibacterial stuff and that its doing more harm than good. I've also read that the hand santizers are good when you don't have access to soap and water but that you should use soap and water when possible. Also that washing your hands should take as long as it takes to sing happy birthday all the way through. Personally I think that using the handy wipes are better than the bleach water. I just think about the potential for clothes being ruined if the kids rub up against an area that's not fully dry. Either way though I think it's great that your daughters teachers are taking the time to cleanse their rooms, it helps to get rid of any bugs that may be waiting to spread. Not only for her but all the other kids and the teacher. Personally I'm a soap and water kinda person with paper towels to dry and I never, never use those hand blowers to dry my hands, my girls avoid them as well. That's not to say we don't ever use the hand sanitizers. My daughter uses them at school especially during the cold and flu season.

Liza
(mom of 2 teen girls w/CF)

 

[ladybug]

When watching the CFF's webcast about germs, they recommend using soap and water when you can SEE dirt and grime, etc. on your hands, and using the liquid cleaners when you can't. I do both. I am also worried about too much of that antibacterial stuff and resistance, although, many soaps with water are also antibacterial, so I guess there's no way to avoid it. I use the bath and body works hand sanitizer and it smells great! (They have it in kid's flavors too)... I also make sure to thoroughly scrub my hands after using gym equipment and wiping my equipment down after I use it. I notice hardly anyone wipes their equipment down and I've yet to see anyone wash their hands after using it. I think its awesome the teacher is being so thorough! I wish my teachers had taken precautions like that!

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