AFTER H1N1

OTHER LESSONS FROM H1N1
The 2009 H1N1 pandemic has also helped to promote non-alcohol hand sanitizer, specifically quat-based (Benzalkonium Chloride) hand sanitizers. This option is particularly useful in schools where there is a concern about children ingesting alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

"Prior to H1N1, there was a universal acceptance of alcohol-based sanitizers," says Linda Silverman, president at Maintex. "After that, you're seeing a greater understanding and acceptance of alcohol-free, quat-based hand sanitizers as well."

Quat-based hand sanitizers have a longer kill claim than alcohol-based varieties. It can still be effective against killing germs after it has been applied to the skin. Quat-based hand sanitizers are non-flammable and also don't dry hands out as much as alcohol-based products.

Hercules & Hercules Inc. sought to educate consumers on the benefits of quat-based sanitizers and encouraged school districts to make the switch.

"We provided samples and efficacy data," says Belinda Jefferson, company president. "Some made the switch, others didn't."

Along with the increase in hand sanitizer sales, distributors sold more foam hand soap following the H1N1 outbreak, thanks to the public's renewed interested in keeping hands clean. Hercules & Hercules encouraged salespeople to sell touch-free foam soap in addition to hand sanitizer and educate customers on the benefits of touch-free restrooms.

"Hand safety is something the public needs to be aware of," Jefferson says. "The most critical thing to do is to wash your hands."

Distributors also learned some valuable purchasing lessons from the pandemic, namely not to overlook any cross-contamination-related product when stocking up on the more obvious necessities, such as hand sanitizer and soap.

"H1N1 taught us to look at the whole picture when dealing with a pandemic," says Mike Griffin, sales manager at San-a-Care. "We probably could have given more thought to bringing in disposable gloves and masks because we got caught with orders for those, and we couldn't fill them very quickly."