hygiene
How public transport spreads microbes
It’s common knowledge that public transport’s a great place to pick up a cold… and new research has quantified it The Hong Kong researchers also identified one subway line that …
Wash your hands like somebody’s watching
Do you wash your hands if nobody’s looking? Many hospital staff don’t, a new study shows Medical researchers from the University of New South Wales examined hand hygiene rates among …
Superbug transmission shifting to the community
More people now contract the drug-resistant “golden staph” superbug in the community, rather than hospitals A study published in the Medical Journal of Australia this week looked at data from …
Dogs in the dispensary
Pet dogs aren’t allowed in shops in Tasmania – but some pampered pooches are taking advantage of a loophole which says dispensaries aren’t shops According to the Tasmanian Pharmacy Authority, …
‘Busy battlers’ keep going despite winter ills
Worrying attitudes towards colds and flu have been highlighted by a new survey Nearly 40% of Australian adults prefer to “push through regardless” and carry on as normal when they …
Last days for flu jabs
Australians have less than a week to get the flu vaccination if they want protection, an expert says “Flu is here,” says Professor Robert Booy, Professor of Infectious Diseases at …
Push vaccination and hygiene, not OTCs: expert
There’s “not a lot” of evidence for most cold remedies or a role for vitamins and supplements in fighting colds and flu, an expert says Professor Robert Booy, who is …
NPS reminds consumers: wash your hands
Ahead of next week’s Antibiotic Awareness Week, NPS MedicineWise is giving consumers a common-sense reminder: wash your hands. During the global Week, NPS MedicineWise will remind Australians that regular hand …
Health Check: should we be using alcohol-based hand sanitisers?
Health Check: should we be using alcohol-based hand sanitisers? Mary-Louise McLaws, UNSW Australia They’re everywhere in hospitals, travellers’ backpacks and the aisles of pharmacies in winter, but do we really …
Ego opens flammable goods manufacturing facility
Australian manufacturing is getting a boost this week as Ego Pharmaceuticals opens its new $15 million dollar flammable goods manufacturing facility. Ego’s managing director Alan Oppenheim says the new facility …
Startup Kayban turns superfood into superbug fighter
Australian start-up Kayban has developed the world’s first anti-microbial healthcare range made from organic flaxseed oil following a collaboration with CSIRO. The company hopes the range of topical lotions and …
Phones a breeding ground for microbes: University of Queensland study
Think twice before you reach for your mobile phone at lunch, says an expert from the University of Queensland: many phones are a breeding ground for microbes. UQ’s Dr Alysha …