Swine flu outbreak generates windfall for healthcare firms

WHILE most Irish businesses are bracing for the swine flu pandemic, the disease has resulted in an unexpected boost for two healthcare firms in the south.

OB Hygiene Ltd has reported an 11% surge in sales of an innovative hygiene product called Activ8. The Cork-based company has ordered extra supplies from Britain to cope with expected demand.

Activ8 is a non-toxic, environmentally safe hygiene product that can be used in gels or wipes, or dissolved in water. It is used in front-line infection control to halt the spread of MRSA, avian flu, Sars, clostridium difficile and other pandemics.