Hand hygiene

15.05.2024

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Why is hand hygiene so important?

When bacteria enter the body, they can cause infections. While in the hospital, everyone is at risk of infection. Hand hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of bacteria and infections. It only takes 20 seconds to wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to kill germs. Take action by washing your hands and asking your visitors to wash their hands.

When should you wash your hands with soap and water?

Hand washing is a key component in reducing the risk of a range of infections, including stomach infections, influenza and other respiratory infections. Proper hand washing technique involves using soap and warm running water, rubbing your hand for at least 30 seconds. Follow these simple rules:

  • take off your jewelry, roll up your sleeves;
  • wet your hands in warm water before applying soap;
  • Lather your hands well and follow the hand washing technique for at least 30 seconds;
  • Rinse your hands thoroughly with warm water to remove soap;
  • dry your hands with a towel.

Drying your hands is important - dry your hands by patting them with a disposable tissue or dry towel. Make sure your hands are completely dry.

When you are in a public restroom, use a paper towel to open and close the restroom door and press the flush button.

When to wash your hands?

Before:

  • cooking; 
  • eating;
  • putting on contact lenses and applying makeup;
  • touching areas of skin infection, wounds and other damaged skin;
  • before performing medical procedures.

After:

  • cooking;
  • processing contaminated laundry;
  • cleaning and housework and gardening;
  • coughing, sneezing, or vomiting;
  • with domestic and any other animals;
  • work, study, being outdoors and in public spaces;
  • playing sports;
  • touching the area of ​​skin infection and skin wounds;
  • going to the toilet;
  • contact with money;
  • working with a computer and other office equipment;
  • travel on public transport.

How to properly wash your hands with soap and water?

  1. Wet your hands with warm water. If possible, use liquid soap. Take enough soap to cover both hands.
  2. Rub your hands together. Wipe the back of your hands, between your fingers, and around and under your nails with soap.
  3. Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds.
  4. Rinse your hands thoroughly under warm running water.
  5. Dry your hands with a paper towel.
  6. Using a dry paper towel, turn off the faucet and open the toilet door if necessary.

When should you use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer?

Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

  • if there is no water and soap;
  • leaving and returning to a hospital room;
  • before eating.

How to properly treat your hands with an alcohol-based antiseptic?

  1. Take enough antiseptic to cover both hands.
  2. Rub your hands together. Wipe the back of your hands, between your fingers, and around and under your nails with antiseptic.
  3. Continue rubbing your hands until they are dry. You will need to rub your hands for at least 20 seconds before they feel dry. Do not rinse your hands with water or dry them with a towel.