Most people do not wash their hands as often as they should. The best defense
against the spread of infection is to have healthy, intact skin and a good hand
washing technique. Many germs are found under fingernails, artificial fingernails,
nail polish and rings. These germs can spread when we touch objects.
What are ways to prevent the spread of infections?
Educating people is an important way to prevent the spread of disease. Common
infections that can be spread by contact (from hand to hand, or hand to object)
include gastrointestinal illness, shigella, Hepatitis A, and flu-type infections.
- Cover cuts with bandages and wear gloves for added protection (cuts are
more susceptible to infections).
- Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes and nose.
- Be sure to clean your nails properly. Artificial nails and chipped nail
polish have been associated with an increase in the number of bacteria on
the fingernails.
- Have single-use paper towels and soap dispensers available.
- Assume that contact with any human body fluids is infectious.
- Liquid soap in disposable containers is best. If you are using reusable
containers, they should be washed and dried before refilling. If you are using
a bar of soap, be sure to set it on a rack that allows water to drain or use
small bars that can be changed frequently.
How often should I wash my hands?
There are many appropriate times to wash your hands throughout the day. Germs
that may transmit disease may be found in any of the body fluids of any person,
and on any surface these fluids may come in contact with. You should wash your
hands:
- before and after eating or handling food
- after using the washroom
- after handling garbage
- after touching raw meat, poultry or fish
- after handling pets or animals
- after changing a diaper
- after visiting sick people.
Steps for Safe Hand Washing
- Remove all rings and wet your hands with hot, fresh, running water.
- Put a small amount (1-3mL) of liquid soap in the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together for at least 10 seconds so you produce lather
and provide friction to all surfaces. Make sure you wash between your fingers
and under your fingernails.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean running water. Try not to
handle the faucets once your hands are clean. Use a paper towel.
- Pat your hands with a single use paper towel or use a hot air dryer.
- Use hand lotion from a single-use dispenser to put moisture back
into your skin.
Three components of good hand washing are:
- Friction. This removes contamination, dead skin and other particles that
contain potentially harmful organisms.
- Soap. This breaks down skin oils that tend to hold these particles
so that they are easier to remove.
- Warm running water. This removes debris and cleansing agents.
Should I use antibacterial soaps and waterless hand scrubs?
While regular soap and water does not actually kill microorganisms (it creates
a slippery surface that allows the organisms to "slide off"), antibacterial
soap should only be used in specific situations. There are some concerns that
overuse of antibacterial soap will cause some germs to develop a resistance
to it. Antibacterial soaps are typically considered to be "overkill"
and there is no need to use them in the home, school or workplace. They can
be used in a hospital (e.g. surgeons who are preparing for surgery, when caring
for severely immuno-compromised patients, intensive care nurseries, etc.).
Waterless hand scrubs should only be used as an alternative to washing when
there is no water and soap available. These products are made of ethyl alcohol
mixed with emollients (skin softeners) and other agents.
Where can I find more information?
Handwashing
for parents and kids
Source: Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) - Keeping your child healthy
Hand
washing: reducing the risk of common infections
Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Infection
control guidelines for health care workers in the community
Source: Manitoba Health- Public health fact sheets: for the general public and
health professionals
Hand hygiene
Source: CHICA - Canada Standards & Guideline Committee
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