Antibacterial/Antiviral Body Wash?
I (24F, 5’6”, 120lbs) am a microbiologist working in a lab that handles BSL1-2 viral and bacterial organisms daily. I am also currently living with my sister who is 9 months pregnant. While no one around me has gotten sick due to my job I am worried because the baby will be highly vulnerable to infection before it can be properly vaccinated.
I work with some pretty nasty bugs like H1N1 flu, covid, and mrsa amongst others. We use BacDown medical grade antibacterial soap in the lab to wash our hands but that doesn’t cover for other exposed skin, hair and clothes that might pick up organisms throughout the day.
I’ve been thinking of showering immediately after work each day before I interact with the baby, but I’m worried my normal dove body wash won’t be strong enough. I’ve looked into antibacterial body washes but they’re recommended for use only 1-2 times a week and I really don’t want to destroy/mess up my microbiome. So I don’t know what to do.
I’ve never lived with an infant before and will likely be finding my own place in the coming months, so it won’t be a forever problem. Maybe I am being overly anxious about it or paranoid that the baby will get sick because of me but I figured I would ask for advice on the matter.
Any advice, redirections for who to ask, or suggestions for soaps/proper usage are greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Posted Aug 13, 2026, 5:04 PM UTC