You should also exercise caution when using online marketplaces - previous Which? investigations have uncovered a high number of products that don't pass safety standards We spoke to a microbiologist about the science of hand sanitiser and soap, the key ingredients to look for and whether alternatives such as hand wipes work.

If your baby has the flu, ensure that they have plenty of rest and keep them well hydrated with extra water. Keep the room aired at a comfortable temperature and ensure that your baby does not get too hot. Clean the potty or toilet thoroughly with a disinfectant after each episode of diarrhea and vomiting. Also disinfect the toilet seat If your baby has a temperature over 38°C and their condition does not improve, we recommend taking them your GP for more advice. If your baby is under 3 months, call the doctor straight away. What about swine flu?

Candida albicans can travel through your baby’s digestive system to their bottom and cause nappy rash.

Norovirus is the most common virus causing gastroenteritis in adults. However, the Norovirus infection can occur at any age, so even in children and babies. In 81% of cases your baby got it from the mother during the passage through the birth canal during labour. 50% of the population has Candida albicans in their mouth. Under normal circumstances, this fungus does not develop into thrush. However a baby has a weak immune system (not fully developed like an adult) and can more easily catch it. As with hand sanitiser, you may be happy to go with whatever soap you can find on the shelf. And it turns out, there's no need to be too discriminating. If it foams, it will do the job. There are alcohol-free alternatives, which are gentler on the hands, but knowing which ones work effectively is no simple task.Hand hygiene explained - we delve into the science behind soap and sanitiser, to help you choose the best options To protect your baby from flu always take special care to wash your hands and use Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel. Follow some basic hygiene rules: They can be gentler on the skin but the scientific evidence varies more for alcohol-free products than it does for sanitisers containing alcohol. Don’t share your child’s towels, flannels, cutlery or eating utensils with other members of the family Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can be irritating and drying for the skin, especially when used more frequently.

Coronavirus latest: get the latest specialist news and advice from our money, travel and health experts Symptoms of methanol poisoning include headaches, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, loss of coordination and decreased levels of consciousness. Gastroenteritis can be very infectious. To stop spreading the germs, you should first of all take extra care washing your hands and use Milton Antibacterial Hand Gel. There are also some basic hygiene rules to follow: Hand sanitiser has been in high demand this year, and at times very hard to find. But it pays to be cautious about who and where you buy from.Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus - or MRSA as it is more commonly known, is a form of the staphylococcus bacteria that have become very resistant to antibiotics. To be able to protect against MRSA, it is imperative that as much as possible is understood about the bacteria and its activity. Clean your immediate surroundings regularly - particularly when away from the home and travelling.. Applications are endless and include disinfecting areas such as public toilet seats, door handles, high chairs, caravans etc By volume, the percentage alcohol content figures for these products would be slightly higher, but would still fall well short of recommended levels - and the claim on the bottle. Hand gels removed from sale following Which? tests Oral thrush is caused by a fungal micro-organism called. Even though thrush can be very irritating, it is not a very serious condition in itself. With treatment, it usually clear up in a few days.

In more severe cases dehydration including little urine, dry mouth, dry tongue, weakness and lethargy These types of wipes, along with antiseptic creams such as Savlon or Germolene, tend to be more antibacterial than antiviral, as they're designed to work on the skin where bacteria are (usually) the main skin pathogens.

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But Dr Freestone says the average person shouldn't need to seek this out, as standard alcohol gels are still effective. But does it matter what kind of hand gel or soap you buy? And what can you do if you're struggling to get hold of these products?