Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is the practice of cleaning hands to remove dirt, soil, and microorganisms. It is considered a fundamental aspect of infection control and is essential in preventing the spread of disease and infection.

Overview

Hand hygiene is a simple yet effective solution to prevent infections. It involves cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Hand hygiene is especially important in healthcare settings, where it can prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.

Types of Hand Hygiene

There are two main types of hand hygiene: hand washing and hand sanitizing.

Hand Washing

Hand washing involves cleaning hands with soap and water. It is recommended when hands are visibly dirty or soiled, and after using the toilet. Hand washing is also important before eating and preparing food.

Hand Sanitizing

Hand sanitizing involves cleaning hands with an alcohol-based hand rub. It is recommended when hands are not visibly dirty or soiled. Hand sanitizing is especially important in healthcare settings, where it can quickly and effectively kill many types of germs.

Importance of Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is important for several reasons. It can prevent the spread of many types of infections, including respiratory infections and gastrointestinal infections. Hand hygiene can also prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings

In healthcare settings, hand hygiene is essential in preventing the spread of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare workers should perform hand hygiene before and after every patient contact, before performing clean and aseptic procedures, after exposure to body fluid, and after touching patient surroundings.

See Also

• Infection control
• Healthcare-associated infections
• Antibiotic resistance

Hand hygiene Resources
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