One of the most effective preventive tools for fighting infection is also one of the simplest: Wash your hands thoroughly.
CDC Handwashing Video
Healthcare workers always scrub their hands or use an antiseptic rub before and after seeing patients. Research dating back 150 years has proven repeatedly that infection can be spread easily from person to person by direct and indirect hand contact.
That’s why we want to inform our patients and visitors of the importance of keeping clean hands. If you are a patient or if you are a CMMC visitor, we ask you to take the time to scrub your hands before and after making contact with others.
While especially important in a hospital setting, keeping hands cleans in everyday life is essential to good health.
If you are recovering from an illness, you are more susceptible to infections, so it’s extremely important that those you come into contact with understand the importance of hand hygiene.
To stay healthy, it’s just as important to keep hands clean at home and on the job. At home, be sure to wash hands before and after handling food for meals. And there’s a reason your mother used to tell you to wash your hands before sitting down at the table -– during the day, our hands have come into contact with hundreds of germs, and we do not want to bring those germs to the table. Common sense tells you to wash your hands frequently if you are caring for someone who is ill, in close proximity to others who are ill, if you are ill or feeling like you are fighting illness, changing diapers or working closely with others throughout your day.
Effective Hand Washing
It’s not enough to quickly run your hands under water and call them clean. In order to kill germs, it’s important take the time to do it right.
First, use warm or hot water if it is available. Wet your hands, apply soap and then rub your hands together to create lather. Scrub all parts of your hands for at least 20 seconds. That may seem like a long time if you aren’t used to it -– to make the time pass, silently recite a prayer, a favorite poem or “sing” a verse of one of your favorite songs.
After rinsing your hands, dry them, and to keep them clean, use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door to leave.
Alternatives to soap and water include alcohol-based hand cleaners. Coat hands, rub them firmly together and scrub until your hands feel dry.
For more information on handwashing visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
