Practicing Good Hand Hygiene

With the ongoing cold and flu season, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of proper hand hygiene. According to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, 80% of common infections are spread through hand contact. Here are some of the most effective ways to keep your hands clean.

To wash your hands properly, begin by wetting them with warm, running water. Apply soap and scrub your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds, making sure to cover all areas: your fingertips, fingernails, the backs of your hands, your wrists, and between your fingers. Afterward, rinse with your fingers pointed downward. Dry your hands completely using a clean paper or cloth towel. Remember to change your hand towels every two to three days to avoid bacteria buildup.

Frequent handwashing is essential throughout the day. Be sure to wash your hands before and after preparing food, after using the bathroom, after coughing or sneezing, before and after tending to a wound, and whenever your hands appear or feel dirty. If you're caring for someone who is ill, wash your hands both before and after contact with them, as well as after touching objects nearby.

Hand sanitizers are another effective way to reduce the spread of germs, though it’s important to note that they don’t kill all types of viruses. According to Laurie Rensenbrink, Laboratory Manager and Infection Prevention at Mille Lacs Health System, “germs like norovirus require thorough handwashing with soap and water to be properly removed, hand sanitizer alone is not effective”.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using a waterless hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, as sanitizers with lower alcohol concentrations only inhibit the growth of germs rather than killing them.

When using hand sanitizer, ensure your hands are free from organic matter, such as dirt, grass, or wood chips. Apply a small amount of sanitizer (about the size of a dime) to the palm of your hand, then rub your hands together, covering all the surfaces you would with handwashing. Continue rubbing until your hands are completely dry.

In addition to regular handwashing and sanitizing, there are other steps you can take to reduce the spread of germs. Wipe down your workspace and phone with a disinfectant wipe frequently throughout your day. Always cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you're feeling ill. Avoid touching your face and be sure to clean your hands if you do.

Practicing good hand hygiene by washing your hands and using hand sanitizer is one of the most effective ways to protect both yourself and others from illness.