Transcript Handwashing Practices

Hand Hygiene: Preventing the
spread of germs and illness
Hand Hygiene
• According to the CDC, scientists estimate
that people are not washing their hands
often enough nor well enough
• Up to 80% of all infections may be
transmitted by hands.
• Hand washing is proven to be effective in
decreasing the spread of infections
caused by viruses and bacteria
Hand Hygiene Quiz
True or False:
• A person’s hands are the most common transmitters of
disease.
• You can see infectious microorganisms if you look
carefully.
• Wearing gloves is the single most important way to
prevent the spread of infection.
• If infectious materials get on you, the sooner you wash it
off the less chance you have of becoming infected.
• You don’t need to wash your hands while you are caring
for only one student
Hand Hygiene Answers
Answer guide:
• A person’s hands are the most common transmitters of
disease. (T)
• You can see infectious microorganisms if you look
carefully. (F)
• Wearing gloves is the single most important way to
prevent the spread of infection. (F)
• If infectious materials get on you, the sooner you wash it
off the less chance you have of becoming infected. (T)
• You don’t need to wash your hands while you are caring
for only one student (F)
Hand washing
is the
single
most effective
strategy
for reducing
the spread
of germs.
Hand Washing
• Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol based hand cleaners (>60%) are
also effective.
When to Wash Your Hands
• After blowing your nose
• After using the bathroom
• If you have been near someone who is sick
• Before/after preparing food
• Upon entering your home
Effective Hand Washing
1. Wet hands with water
2. Rub vigorously with soap for 10-15 seconds.
Friction helps remove dirt and germs
i.e. singing Happy Birthday twice or reciting
the ABCs
3. Rinse with warm water
4. Dry hands completely with a clean, dry paper
towel
No Soap and Water?
Hand sanitizer is a good option
• If soap and clean water are not available, use
an alcohol-based hand rub to clean your hands
• Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce
the number of germs on skin and are fast-acting
• When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer o Apply product to the palm of one hand
o Rub hands together
o Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and
fingers (between fingers, too) until hands are dry
Why Practice Good Hygiene?
• Helps prevent health problems
• Helps prevent the spread of germs
• Germs spread:
o from person to person
o from people to things
o from things to people
• Helps keep you healthy
• Helps you feel your best
• Helps you be a good role model
Hand Hygiene
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when
you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the
trash after you use it.
• Cough into your sleeves not your hands
Limit and Avoid Contact
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home for 7 days after your
symptoms begin or until you have been
symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.
This is to keep from infecting others and
spreading the virus further.