Hand washing seems to be a straightforward task for most people. The way we wash our hands may remove germs and bacteria or just spread them to other parts. The most appropriate way is to enroll in an infection control and prevention course that guides you on washing your hands, especially when you work in the medical field.

The advantages are preventing transmission of infections and diseases and keeping the surroundings clean. There are several techniques for cleaning hands. In a work environment, people use warm/cold water and soap or an alcohol-based liquid sanitizer when there is a lack of water. The infection control and prevention course will help you understand the merits of hand hygiene and also that of the surrounding areas.

Hazardous Areas

We live in an environment that has a lot of bacteria everywhere. Our bodies have the rare type which we require for us to stay healthy. Others are hazardous and life-threatening. Once they are allowed into our immune system, we fall ill. The common area where bacteria live in our workplaces is inside the bathroom.

The mobile phones we use, the clothes we wear every day, doorknobs can carry bacteria. Statistics from research done to prove that fecal matter is present on our phones and credit cards indicates that the hypothesis is correct. The liquid cash we exchange when we buy goods and pay for services is a health risk for any person with low immunity.

Guidelines on Washing Hands Properly:

• Place hands under a running tap for a few seconds to make them wet
• Apply soap on your hands and ensure you rub it on the front and back of your palm
• When lather forms then continue rubbing both palms
• Use one palm to clean the other one in between fingers and do the same for the other palm
• Use clean water for rinsing and dry the palms with a towel
• Hold the towel and use it to close the tap

Occasions When Hand Washing is Necessary:

• After visiting the washroom
• Before taking any food
• After soiling your hands with dirt
• Overusing objects may hold germs. Clean your hands after using gadgets
• After sneezing or coughing in your palms then wash them

Merits of Hand Washing

Helps Ensure Safety in Hospitals where Patients and Medical Staff Live

Doctors and nurses have to wash their hands carefully because they deal with complicated medical procedures. Hospitals should ensure handwashing facilities are available and maintaining them regularly.

Diseases that Affect the Intestines Reduce

Washing hands prevents contamination and transmission of diseases like diarrhea. Keep your hands clean after visiting the toilet to minimize the risk of getting infected.

Eye Infections will Not be Common

The leading cause of eye problems is exposure to harmful germs due to contact with the palm. Avoid touching eyes with unclean hands.

The Risk of Respiratory Infections is Low

The cause of these infections are viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Washing hands and keeping them clean will ensure you are free from coughing, sneezing, or headaches. Cleaning hands reduces the number of germs lingering on your palms.

Commonly used equipment at work should get cleaned regularly with alcohol-based liquids to kill bacteria and viruses that can cause diseases.