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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To say... it's a fucking VIRUS

315 replies

ArtisanBreadBin · 09/04/2020 18:45

The number of posts on here about how the NHS have recommended "antibac" no they haven't. I wipe it with "antibac" why would you. I can't find any "antibac" handwash, you don't fucking need it.

AIBU to hope that people can learn the difference between a fucking virus and a bacteria. If it was a bacteria it would be called CORONA fucking BACTERIA!!!!

In any case "antibac" is a waste of time and money, use soap and water. FML.

OP posts:
Original poster
ArtisanBreadBin · 09/04/2020 20:00

@goingoverground of course I know what a surfactant is. Not sure what your point is.

Now, if you buy an "antibac" at a petrol station for 99p, does it kill SARS, MERS and other Coronaviruses? Does it? Or is it preying on people's anxiety? Think about it.

OP posts:
Lweji · 09/04/2020 20:01

If antibac gel was useless then hospitals and care homes wouldn't be appealing for the stuff to be made now would they ?

It needs to be more than 60% alcohol. Ideally around 70%.

chomalungma · 09/04/2020 20:02

Now, if you buy an "antibac" at a petrol station for 99p, does it kill SARS, MERS and other Coronaviruses? Does it? Or is it preying on people's anxiety? Think about it

What makes you think people are buying such products that may not be effective at killing viruses?

They aren't being told to buy anti-bacterial products.

So what is worrying you?

chomalungma · 09/04/2020 20:03

It needs to be more than 60% alcohol. Ideally around 70%

Recommendation is at least 60% ethanol or 70% iso-propanol

Original poster
ArtisanBreadBin · 09/04/2020 20:03

@WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo but they're not asking for antibac gel are they. If they're asking for anything, it's hand gel with an alcohol concentration above 60% in order to be effective against Coronavirus.

OP posts:
Original poster
ArtisanBreadBin · 09/04/2020 20:05

@chomalungma you're showing your lack of understanding of society.

If you don't understand the information on the back of a bottle but you understand the word "antibac"... what would you do? Buy "antibac"? What if you then think that's an acceptable substitute for hand washing?

The understanding of viruses by society is pretty much key to the spread of Coronavirus.

The best way to have an effect on viruses is to have an effect on their vector. Have a think about that.

OP posts:
MrsSnitchnose · 09/04/2020 20:05

Haven't read the thread yet, but I think the problem arises with the generally used term 'anti bac' for everything. The correct terminology would be 'anti microbal'

*Source is a book I read by Professor Sally Davies on antibiotic resistance

chomalungma · 09/04/2020 20:07

you're showing your lack of understanding of society

I understand society

The best way to have an effect on viruses is to have an effect on their vector. Have a think about that

Patronising much.

What is worrying you?

MerryDeath · 09/04/2020 20:08

I'm aware of the distinction. i use antibac on light switches etc. the package says it kills viruses. is this not true then?

chomalungma · 09/04/2020 20:09

If you don't understand the information on the back of a bottle but you understand the word "antibac"... what would you do? Buy "antibac"? What if you then think that's an acceptable substitute for hand washing

The Government have said that the best thing to do is to wash with soap and water.

If people are interested in alternatives, then the Government does talk about the more specialised hand sanitisers and what they need to contain

Easilyanxious · 09/04/2020 20:09

Op are you referring to hand soap or also sprays I use any soap did hand washing whatever can get at moment but I'm wiping my sides down with anti bac as that's all I have at moment and dettol says virus as does my other kind admittedly know idea if they will kill this yet as not tested

WhatWouldYouDoWhatWouldJesusDo · 09/04/2020 20:11

It does.

And all our local breweries and a.candle factory are now producing it. So it's obviously of some use.

goingoverground · 09/04/2020 20:13

You could have clicked on the link, if you don't get my point @ArtisanBreadBin

But here is the relevant point from the link:

Soap contains molecules called surfactants, which have two ends: one end dissolves really well in fats, while the other end dissolves really well in water. When these molecules come into contact with the fatty outside layer of SARS-CoV-2, they dissolve it and tear the virus apart.

It is the surfactants in soap that kill coronavirus. The main ingredient in the most antibacterial sprays is surfactants...

goldpartyhat · 09/04/2020 20:14

Most are dual purpose. Bacteria and viruses. Viruses are usually pretty easy to kill outside the body. Like vampires they burn up in sunlight

goingoverground · 09/04/2020 20:17

Now, if you buy an "antibac" at a petrol station for 99p, does it kill SARS, MERS and other Coronaviruses? Does it?

Probably, if it's main ingredient is surfactants.

HonkersVonFlapperson · 09/04/2020 20:21

@ArtisanBreadBin READ my post.

Then get shitty with me when you've figured out the comprehension, if you can still.

Flymetothetoon · 09/04/2020 20:22

Artisanbreadbin

Your aggressive posting is not necessary.
We all know the drill - your posturing about your 'credentials' only serve to make people more anxious.
Wind your neck in!

FlossieTeacakesFurCoat18 · 09/04/2020 20:22

I feel like "Why are people using anti-bac when corona is a VIRUS" is something one person said on twitter and then numerous people repeated it because they thought it made them sound clever.

As we've heard from multiple sources it does kill viruses too.

Quarantina · 09/04/2020 20:22

It's okay to admit you were wrong OP

Magic2020 · 09/04/2020 20:23

Antibac is just shorthand for disinfectant, not sure why anyone would think it wouldn't work on viruses?

If you read the tiny writing on the back they list viruses as well - they may not have been tested on this particular coronavirus, but that doesn't mean they won't work on it, there's nothing to my knowledge to suggest it's somehow tougher than any other virus, and we're successfully decontaminating Covid-19 specimens in the lab with all the usual chemicals.

I'm a specialist Biomedical Scientist with too many years experience working in microbiology labs. We do use alcohol/antibac hand gels at a push, and a variety of different disinfectants to wipe down our surfaces.

Viruses are easier to kill than bacteria because they're not in proper cells. Hand washing is better than any kind of gel to kill them, but there's nothing wrong with using a gel if you can't get to a sink and some soap.

chomalungma · 09/04/2020 20:25

Antibac is just shorthand for disinfectant, not sure why anyone would think it wouldn't work on viruses

I think that's an issue - the public have been told not to have antibiotics for viral infections because there is a difference between virus and bacteria.

So you can see why some people could get confused with anti-bacteria when it comes to viruses.

Sparklesocks · 09/04/2020 20:27

In all honesty I think people are finding more important stuff to get wound up about at the moment

HariboLectar · 09/04/2020 20:28

Antibac is just a catch all isn't it, a bit like saying you're going to hoover when you mean vacuum 🤷🏻‍♀️

koshkatt · 09/04/2020 20:33

Christ Artisan stop being so aggressive and superior. You are not coming across well at all.

Aragog · 09/04/2020 20:33

I just can't understand how people don't realise it's a virus even though it's in the name.

Pretty much everyone I know knows it's a virus. As you says it is in its name.

However we have also been told, including by the experts, that antibacterial agents containing 60+% alcohol can help to kill the virus too.

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