Hand Washing

Hand washing is one of the most important ways to avoid getting sick and to prevent spreading germs. It is very important both at home and in the hospital. Millions of microbes are on hands and can cause colds, the flu or diarrhea. These disease causing microbes can be picked up by touching doorknobs, stair railings, telephones and any other surfaces that multiple people touch.

Because hand washing is one of the primary responsibilities of your healthcare team, feel free to ask any member of your healthcare team if they have washed their hands before they have any direct contact with you.

You may see your healthcare workers using a quick drying, alcohol based, waterless hand gel or foam. These gels are fast acting and are a highly effective in killing hospital germs. Waterless gels are an acceptable alternative to washing your hands with soap and water when your hands are not visibly dirty.

Also, remind your visitors to clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before they enter and leave your room.

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

• Wet your hands with clean and preferably warm running water.
• Apply soap and rub your hands together creating lather.
• Scrub all surfaces on your hands for 10 – 15 seconds including under your fingernails and the back of your hands.
• Rinse hands well.
• Dry your hands and if possible use a paper towel and then use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

When to Wash Your Hands with Soap and Water

• Hands are visibly soiled (dirty)
• Hands are visibly contaminated with blood or body fluids
• Before eating
• After using the restroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after touching someone who is sick
• Before and after caring for a wound
• After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage

How to Use an Acohol-based Hand Sanitizer

• Apply product to the palm of one hand
• Rub hands together
• Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry