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 QuizTrue 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 Washing1. 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 hando Rub hands togethero 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 persono from people to thingso 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.