Hand Hygiene
, 1 min reading time
Proper hand hygiene is critical to stop the spread of diseases, bacteria, germs, and other nasties. Despite the importance of hand hygiene, there are still so many people who don’t wash or sanitise their hands properly. The reason? They haven’t been taught how to do it properly, or they think it isn’t so important.
Good hand hygiene is potentially the most important life lesson we can learn.
Even after the coronavirus challenge has passed, understanding how germs are spread and how to protect ourselves from colds, flu, gastro bugs, and food poisoning will be a tremendous benefit for our whole lives.
HAND HYGIENE INCLUDES:
- Applying an alcohol-based hand rub to the surface of hands (including liquids, gels, and foams)
OR - Washing hands with the use of water and soap or a soap solution, either non-antimicrobial or antimicrobial.
When performed correctly, hand hygiene results in a reduction of microorganisms on hands.
What works best to limit infection?
If you have a respiratory illness, the best way to minimize transmission is to avoid other people. The same applies if you want to avoid contracting a virus.
To reduce your risk of transmitting a virus, or coming into contact with it, the WHOTrusted Source recommends the following:
- Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, if you don’t have access to soap and water.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, and eyes.
- Keep a safe distance from others.
- Avoid public places until you recover fully.
- Stay home and rest.
The bottom line - although face masks may help reduce the spread of some disease-causing organisms, evidence suggests that hand hygiene is the key.
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