The disinfection of respiratory syncytial virus by isopropanol and a chlorhexidine-detergent handwash.

Two of the products commonly used to disinfect the hands of nursing staff are 70% isopropanol and aqueous chlorhexidine-detergent solutions. These have been shown to rapidly destroy respiratory syncytial virus, and are therefore suitable for use where contagious spread of this virus is suspected. The virucidal component of the chlorhexidine-detergent preparation has been shown to be primarily the detergent base and not the chlorhexidine.