It’s a small thing, washing our hands. Or is it?
A search of ClinicalTrials.gov shows that three clinical trials are currently recruiting to study the effects of handwashing on controlling the spread of influenza, protecting infants from sepsis, and even cholera prevention.
Research shows that even alcohol-based sanitizers are not as effective against C. Difficile as good old fashioned soap and water.
December 4-10 is National Handwashing Awareness Week.
Henry the Hand is a handwashing awareness website partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on promoting hand hygiene.
Henry the Hand includes information for the following:
Students
Schools
Parents
Health Care Workers
Among the resources included are a number of videos.
This site promotes 4 Principles of Hand Awareness:
1. Wash your hands when they are dirty and BEFORE eating.
2. DO NOT cough into your hands.
3. DO NOT sneeze into your hands.
4. Above all, DO NOT put your fingers into your eyes, nose or mouth.
Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) promotes “My 5 Moments of Hand Hygiene” as a priority for nursing workers to wash with soap and water:
1. Before touching a patient
2. After touching a patient
3. After touching anything in the patient’s immediate environment
4. Before performing clean and aseptic procedures
5. After exposure to body fluids
Other sites of interest in learning more:
Why is Handwashing Important?
Don’t Get Caught Dirty Handed
Germs and Hygiene
Ounce of Prevention Keeps the Germs Away: Seven Keys to a Safer Healthier Home
Understanding Microbes in Sickness and Health
Preston Medical Library is available to help you with research on this and other topics. Visit our website or call us at 865-305-9525 for free health information.
Post by Michael Lindsay
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