Strategies to help reduce infection.

SIMPLE STRATEGIES THAT WILL HELP REDUCE RISK OF INFECTION

Posted: Wednesday 24th June 2009

How often, one or two days into a training camp or major competition, does a swimmer or coaching/support staff present with a sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, mild fatigue - all symptoms of the common cold or upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) – or maybe with symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders?

Generally these are mild, common illnesses, however, there is nothing more frustrating when the best laid plans and preparation are derailed with the consequences of compromised training and/or the likelihood of poor performance than when illness free. At selection trials or major competitions there are not many second chances

Therefore, at British Swimming’s national squad training camp recently held in Cyprus, newly appointed medical officer Dr Jon Greenwell spoke about simple strategies to minimise the risk of illness and infection particularly when travelling to training camp and competition environment

Common illnesses such as URTI and gastrointestinal disorders are borne from exposure to infectious pathogens and the risk of transmission is increased when travelling within crowded, public environments and/or living amongst large groups of people.

When travelling, we are more exposed to coming into contact with contaminated surfaces and air-borne pathogens particularly in situations where one is passing through crowded airport security and immigration checks, opening public bathroom doors, sliding hands along hand rails, seated in departure lounges, travelling in confined spaces such as aircraft cabins, buses, trains, and so on.

Viruses can survive for hours on a contaminated surface and when we touch the surface we pick up the virus and transfer the infection to our nose, mouth or eye surface.

The tears from the eyes drain into the nose and this is a common route of infection from contaminated fingers. We cannot avoid touching contaminated surfaces or being exposed to air-borne pathogens but there are simple and effective strategies to minimise the risk of infection.

Clean hands – soap and water

Washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective method. The combination of regular liquid or clean bar soap with warm running water, rubbing your hands vigorously together for 15 to 20 seconds and rinsing will loosen and remove bacteria then drying your hands with a clean or disposable towel.

Clean hands – alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers with a recommended minimum concentration of 60% alcohol are also effective in killing bacteria and viruses and a good second line defense. It is highly recommended that swimmers and staff travel with and use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. It is recommended to apply about ½ a teaspoon of the product to the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, covering all surfaces until they’re dry. However, if your hands are visibly dirty, then wash with soap and water

Vicks First Defence

Vicks First Defence is a drug free nasal spray. When sprayed into the nasal passage, the viscous gel supplements the body’s natural ability to disarm and remove pathogens such as the cold virus before it takes a strong hold in the nose and throat. It coats the virus before it can dock to the body’s cells, creating an environment in which it cannot flourish and then flushes out the viruses, aided by mucus secretions. It is recommended that the nasal spray is used as a preventative measure particularly if one is exposed to a crowded environment.

Air conditioning

Air conditioning may contribute to infection particularly with common cold viruses. Air conditioners extract moisture from the air which may cause drying of the protective thin layer of mucous within the nasal passage therefore predisposing to infection. Cold air may also help viruses to establish a hold in the nose as they reproduce better in a cold nose

Drink bottles

Bacterial growth in drink bottles is high if not cleaned particularly after use containing protein shakes and recovery drink products. Drink bottles, ideally should be cleaned with an antibacterial solution. As well, sharing of drink bottles should be avoided at all times.

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