Many people think they are practicing proper hand hygiene, but a recent study showed just the opposite. Out of 3,700 people observed, “one in 10 people didn't wash their hands at all; just two in three used soap; and just one in 20 washed their hands for at least 15 seconds,” reported a July 5th The Wall Street Journal article. Read on to make sure you are not one of the hand-washing offenders!
Are you washing correctly?
Wash your hands with warm water and at dime or quarter sized pump liquid soap. Rub hands together to lather the soap, and make sure to rub in between and around all fingers and under fingernails. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice (out loud or to yourself) to be sure you are washing for at least 15 seconds. Rinse hands under running water and dry using a clean paper towel. Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door to avoid picking up germs after your hands have been cleaned.
When should you wash your hands?
Before, during and after preparing food
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Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
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Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After touching garbage
Did you know?
It only takes 15 seconds of using either soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub to kill the germs that cause infections.
Hand hygiene is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infections, including the common cold and flu.
Alcohol-based hand rubs should contain 60% to 95% ethanol or isopropanol to kill germs.
You can make a difference!
Wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based rub if your hands are not visibly dirty.
Ask your family and friends to practice hand hygiene.
Politely remind doctors and nurses to wash their hands before and after treating you.
For more information about hand hygiene and staying healthy, call Southampton Hospital’s Director of Infection Prevention Debbie Maile at 631-726-8616.
Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
