Reduce the Germs,
Reduce the Risk of Infection

The nose harbours bacteria, viruses and fungi in a moist, sheltered, oxygenated environment without substantial exposure to the immune system. The nasal passages are designed to filter the air that we breathe and stop tiny foreign particles or microorganisms from entering the body. The nose and nasal passages are the perfect environment for growth of pathogens. For example, Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterium that lives in the nose of approximately one-third of the general population. These nasal germs are easily spread as we breathe, sneeze, or touch our face with our hands and then inadvertently transfer the germs to objects in the environment, our friends and co-workers, as well as other parts of our body. If you have a wound, surgical site, or other break in the skin, these germs can invade and cause an infection.

The process of removing or reducing germs in the nose is called, “nasal decolonization”. Nasal decolonization has been shown to reduce the risk of infection especially among high risk patients including those undergoing surgical procedures, immunocompromised patients, ICU patients, and those requiring long-term and frequent healthcare services (e.g. nursing homes, dialysis). Reducing germ count in the nose is part of good infection control practices such as frequent handwashing, skin preps before surgery, good oral care and a clean environment.