Can your doctor’s necktie make you sick?
The possibility of picking up infections—sometimes very serious ones—while in the hospital or at the doctor’s office has become an increasing concern in the face of MRSAs and other drug-resistant infectious agents. Medical personnel sometimes wear pins saying, “Ask me if I’ve washed my hands.” But washing hands may not be enough to protect patients.
The American Medical Association (AMA) is considering a resolution that would support the adoption of guidelines for a dress code for medical personnel. There is evidence that certain clothing items and accessories—including doctor’s neckties—can spread infections and disease.
The United Kingdom recently adopted a dress code requiring bare arms below the elbow for medical personnel. Bare arms can be washed thoroughly and often, but shirt sleeves and cuffs—pushed up to wash hands—can carrier germs on them all day long.
