PDI^® would like to begin by offering our concerns for all those that have been affected by the H1N1 Influenza Virus (H1N1 Influenza Virus) public health emergency worldwide. We are closely monitoring the latest updates from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the World Health Organization to ensure that our customers are provided with the most up-to-date information available.

We have received many phone calls and emails regarding the use of our products during this critical time. Rest assured that PDI maintains a complete portfolio of Infection Prevention solutions, specifically hand hygiene products and environmental surface disinfectants to meet the ever evolving clinical needs of our customers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are currently tracking an H1N1 flu outbreak that has caused infections in humans in the United States, Mexico, Canada and other countries. Information on this Web page will help you identify antimicrobial products that are registered by EPA to disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces that may be contaminated with the 2009-H1N1 flu.

The Environmental Protection Agency has released new guidance specific to the H1N1 Influenza Virus that EPA accepted hospital grade surface disinfectants with Influenza A virus claims are effective against H1N1 Influenza Virus. EPA registers pesticide products, including disinfectants. As part of the registration process, EPA evaluates the product efficacy to make sure the public health label claims are accurate. Currently, over 500 disinfectant products are registered for use on hard, non-porous surfaces against influenza A viruses. EPA believes, based on available scientific information, that the currently registered influenza A virus products will be effective against the 2009-H1N1 flu strain and other influenza A virus strains on hard, non-porous surfaces. For safe and effective use of these products, always follow label instructions for these products, paying special attention to the product’s dilution rate (if applicable) and contact time.

Choose a product whose label states that it is effective against "Influenza A virus" and lists your specific site of concern, such as: farm premises, hospitals and other healthcare facilities, schools, offices or homes.

As the CDC stresses, your first line of defense is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based cleaner. These registered disinfectant products are for use on hard, non-porous surfaces, such as door knobs, handles, tables, floors, etc. EPA emphasizes that these products are not to be used on the skin or to be taken orally.

More than 500 antimicrobial products (17 pp, 137K PDF) are registered by EPA specifically for use against influenza A virus. This is not a complete list since some products may have different distributor or product names and may not be referenced. We will continue to update this list as more information becomes available. Approved products specifically have label information which states they provide effectiveness against “Influenza A virus.”

The PDI Super Sani-Cloth^® Germicidal Disposable Cloth and Sani-Cloth^® Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloth are accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency as broad-spectrum hard surface disinfectants shown to be effective against Influenza A virus. The individual claims are listed below:

• Super Sani-Cloth^® Germicidal Disposable Cloth: Influenza A2/Hong Kong and Influenza A (H1N1) Virus/Strain A/Malaya/302/54
• Sani-Cloth^® Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloth: Influenza A2/Hong Kong

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Interim Guidance for Infection Control of Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected H1N1 Influenza Virus A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting, hand hygiene is one of the most significant interventions that all persons can make to decrease the risk for transmission of this virus. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposables hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used.¹ In addition, practicing respiratory and contact precautions is also necessary. For additional specific guidance on infection prevention strategies specific to H1N1 Influenza Virus, please visit the CDC’s dedicated resource page at www.cdc.gov/h1n1.

To assist you in responding appropriately in your respective workplaces, here are some general guidelines for usage of our solutions to meet the current infection prevention challenges:

Hand Hygiene Solutions:
Sani-Hands^® ALC Antimicrobial Alcohol Gel Hand Wipes
Sani-Hands^® for Kids Antimicrobial Alcohol Gel Hand Wipes

Environmental Surface Disinfection Solutions:
Super Sani-Cloth^® Germicidal Disposable Cloth
Sani Cloth^® Plus Germicidal Disposable Cloth

For more information see the links above. If you would like to speak to one of PDI’s Infection Preventionists, please contact your Regional Sales Manager or our Customer Care Team at 1-800-444-6725.

PDI is committed to assisting you through this public health emergency.

¹ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Interim Guidance for Infection Control for Care of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected H1N1 Influenza Virus A (H1N1) Virus Infection in a Healthcare Setting