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Germs are all around us. Usually, we are surrounded by germs and never get sick. In certain situations, harmful germs can make us get sick with an infection. Also, we can transmit harmful germs to other people and make them sick. Cleaning your hands is the best method to avoid transmitting or getting germs that cause infection.

Handwashing is an easy and effective way to stop the transmission of illness and germs. It’s an essential tool in keeping ourselves, our family members, and our communities safe. Yet, despite the importance, a lot of people don’t clean their hands frequently enough or for a long period of time.

If you’re a patient, a family member or a relative of someone who’s recovering from an illness, it’s crucial to make sure you wash your hands thoroughly.

Hand wash steps in hospital involve wetting hands, applying soap, rubbing hands together vigorously, rinsing thoroughly, drying with anr air dryer, and using hand sanitizer if needed.

Here are some suggestions to make hand washing a regular part of your daily routine:

1. Wash your hands frequently: It is recommended that you wash your hands frequently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests hand washing frequently throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, blowing your nose or sneezing.
2. Use soap and water: Soap is a great way to get rid of dirt and germs from your hands. Wet your hands with warm water, lather the soap in your hands and then scrub your hands with soap for atleast 20 minutes. Make sure to scrub all the areas of your hands, including the palms, backs, between your fingers and under your nails.
3. Dry your hands thoroughly: Once you’ve cleaned your hands, dry them completely with a clean towel or an air dryer. Moisture is an ideal breeding ground for germs, so it is important to keep your hands as dry as possible.
4. Use hand sanitizer: If you’re not near a sink, hand sanitizer can be a good alternative. Find a hand sanitizer that contains atleast 60% alcohol and use it to wash all surfaces of your hands, including in between your fingers, until your hands are dry.

Teach others: If you’re a patient, family member or friend of someone who is recovering from an illness, ensure they are washing their hands frequently and properly. You can also teach them these hand-washing tips to help them keep healthy.

When to clean your hands

• It is possible to come in contact with many harmful germs. To prevent infections, make sure you wash your hands regularly, especially:
• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before and after eating
• After using the bathroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing or whenever you use a tissue
• After applying or changing a dressing or bandage or treating a wound
• After touching any surface or object that may be contaminated
• After touching garbage
• After touching an animal, for example, at a hospital, clinic, school, or other public spaces

If you don’t have access to soap or water, try an alcohol-based hand gel that has atleast 60 percent alcohol. These gels kill most bacteria and are simple to use. But if your hands appear visibly dirty, you can use soap and water (not alcohol-based hand gel).

How to wash your hands in the hospital: For family and friends

If you are visiting or caring for someone you love washing your hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner can prevent bacteria from spreading.

Clean your hands:

• Before entering and leaving the room of the patient
• As soon as you remove gloves or any other protective clothing
• After changing a dressing or bandage
• After any contact with blood or any other bodily fluids
• After touching or changing the patient’s towels or bed linen
• After touching an animal at a pet therapy session (hospital)
• After touching an animal, cleaning up after a pet or cooking food for pets

There are many hospitals that have sinks and gel dispensers right outside patient rooms. If not, bring an alcohol-based hand gel along with you. Make use of it every time you visit. If your hands are visibly dirty, use soap and water (not alcohol-based hand gel).

Tips for good handwashing

Here are some suggestions to consider:
Use either warm or cold running water and plenty of soap. Create a good lather.
Clean your whole hand, including under your nails, between your fingers and up the wrists.
It is recommended that hand washing time should last for at least 20 seconds. Do not just rub or run your hands through the water. Scrub well.
Rinse. Let the water flow down your fingertips, but not up your wrists.
Dry your hands thoroughly. Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door.

How to use an alcohol-based hand cleaner?

Alcohol-based hand cleaners are used if water and soap aren’t readily available or when your hands aren’t visibly filthy. To get the best results, follow these steps:
Pick a spray or gel that contains atleast 60 percent alcohol. Some products that contain less alcohol may not be able to kill germs.

Spread the cleaner in the palm of one hand. Look over the label to find out the right amount to use. Most people use less than needed and can’t clean their hands properly.
Rub your hands together briskly and clean the backs of your hands, palms, between your fingers, and up the wrists.

Rub until the cleaner is gone and your hands are completely dry. This takes about 20 seconds.

Antibacterial soaps:

They are available in bar or liquid form and are used with water.
They are no better at removing germs than plain soap.

Alcohol-based hand cleaners:

They are available in sprays or gels that don’t require water.
It must contain 60% alcohol to work.

Conclusion:

Hand washing is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. If you wash your hands regularly and properly, you can keep yourself, your family members, and your entire community healthy. So make hand washing a regular part of your daily routine and encourage others to follow the same!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q Why is handwashing essential in hospitals?

The benefits of washing hands is that it helps in preventing infections from spreading and illnesses in hospitals. Germs can easily spread from one patient to another through contaminated hands. This makes hand hygiene a crucial component of patient safety.

Q What are the suggested steps for handwashing in a hospital environment?

• A: The recommended steps for handwashing in a hospital setting are the following:
• Wet your hands with warm water.
• Make sure you apply enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands.
• Massage your hands together to make a lather, and ensure you scrub all areas, including the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean your hands thoroughly with warm water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.

Q: What can I do if there isn’t access to water or soap?

A: If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer that contains atleast 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative. Be sure to wash all surfaces on your hands, including between your fingers, until your hands are dry.

Q: Can I wear gloves instead of washing my hands?

A: Gloves can provide an effective barrier against germs, but they can also become contaminated and cause infections if they are not properly used. Hand washing with soap and water remains the best method to remove germs from your hands. If gloves are necessary, be sure to clean your hands before and after putting them on and taking them off.