Tie one on
Tuesday, October 13th, 2009
According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, this week is International Infection Prevention Week. No doubt we’ll be hearing a lot about hand washing, covering our mouths when we cough and other disease prevention measures, all of which are important, especially in the times of H1N1.
One of the more interesting – and debated – prevention measures is to have physicians put away the traditional neck tie. It’s been shown that, since those uncomfortable pieces of clothing hang down and touch all kinds of things and don’t get washed after each wear, they can end up full of germs.
The theory is that opting for a bow tie (or no tie at all) is a more sanitary option.
Makes sense in my mind, but I haven’t been able to find any references to research that actually confirm this theory.
What do you think? Is the bow tie in hospitals and clinics a way to keep people healthier? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Regardless of your opinion on the bow tie, I do want to leave you with an enormous request, regardless of who you are or what you do: Wash your hands. Often.
