Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering
06:57

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering

Published on: June 21, 2022

INFLUENZA-PNEUMONIA AS INFLUENCED BY DISHWASHING IN THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS

J G Cumming

    American Journal of Public Health (New York, N.Y. : 1912)
    |November 1, 1919
    PubMed

    Insights

    Hand washing dishes in lukewarm water is linked to higher rates of influenza-pneumonia in institutions. Steam dishwashing significantly reduces disease incidence, based on a study of over 250,000 individuals.

    Area of Science:

    • Public Health
    • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
    • Environmental Health

    Background:

    • Inadequate dishwashing practices in institutional settings pose a significant risk for disease transmission.
    • Previous research by Colonel Cumming highlighted issues with unsanitary dishwashing methods.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the correlation between dishwashing methods and the incidence of influenza-pneumonia in institutionalized populations.
    • To compare the effectiveness of manual lukewarm water dishwashing versus steam dishwashing in preventing respiratory infections.

    Main Methods:

    • A large-scale observational study was conducted involving a population of 252,186 individuals across various institutions.
    • Data on dishwashing practices (hand washing in lukewarm water vs. steam washing) and influenza-pneumonia incidence were collected and analyzed.

    Main Results:

    • Institutions utilizing hand washing with lukewarm water exhibited a three-fold higher incidence of influenza-pneumonia compared to those employing steam dishwashing.
    • The findings indicate a strong association between inadequate sanitation and increased respiratory illness rates.

    Conclusions:

    • Steam dishwashing is a demonstrably more effective method for preventing influenza-pneumonia in institutional environments.
    • Implementing improved dishwashing protocols, such as steam sterilization, is crucial for public health and infection control in large facilities.

    More Related Videos

    Automated Hospital Room Disinfection Utilizing a Novel Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Microdroplet Disbursing Technology06:27

    Automated Hospital Room Disinfection Utilizing a Novel Aerosolized Hydrogen Peroxide Microdroplet Disbursing Technology

    Published on: February 24, 2026

    A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens09:02

    A Method to Test the Efficacy of Handwashing for the Removal of Emerging Infectious Pathogens

    Published on: June 7, 2017

    Related Concept Videos

    Influenza01:27

    Influenza

    Influenza is an acute, highly communicable viral disease that affects the respiratory tract and is responsible for seasonal epidemics worldwide. Influenza A is the most prevalent type associated with widespread outbreaks and is subtyped based on two surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), as in H1N1. These glycoproteins are essential for viral infectivity, transmission, and immune recognition. Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated...
    Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

    Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

    Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
    The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
    Risk Factors
    Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
    Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

    Pneumonia I: Introduction

    Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
    Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

    Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

    Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
    The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
    Enhance airway patency
    Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
    Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets01:17

    Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets

    Transmission-based precautions are for patients known to be infected or suspected to be infected or colonized with organisms that pose a significant risk to others. Some transmission-based precautions include contact, enteric, and droplet.
    Contact Precautions:
    Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...