How Washing Your Hands Can Control Infection and Reduce Hospital Visits

Hand washing is a common practice within the healthcare profession, being skilled in handwashing fulfils one of the nursing code of conducts stipulations regarding competency and professionalism. Nurses and healthcare workers are expected to carry out the routine practice.

However, hand washing is a task that needs to be completed by everyone regardless of your age, gender or profession. Children also need to learn the habit of handwashing. In this way the spread of infection reduces significantly and consequently the chances of falling ill due to infection will be minimal.

Hand hygiene is considered the most effective measure in controlling infection, it involves using alcohol-based hand rub, the use of soap and water or antiseptic solution to decontaminate the hands. 

Handwashing aims to significantly reduce the number of agents that causes disease, and to control infection transfer from one person to the other. It is advisable to wash your hands before preparing meal, after using the toilet, kids playing with soil or sand, after touching any contaminated surfaces.

Controlling the spread of infection reduces the number of visits to the clinic or hospital for treatment, reduces the chances of antibiotics misuse and the chances of germs being resistant to antibiotics.

Steps to follow: 

1.     Wet your hands with running water — either warm or cold.

2.     Apply liquid, bar or powder soap to a cupped hand.

3.     Lather well.

4.     Rub your hands, palm to palm, vigorously for at least 20 seconds. ...

5.     Rinse well.

6.     Dry your hands with a clean towel.

7.     Use the towel to turn off the tap.