Handwashing: Universal Disease Prevention - LPNI

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Handwashing: Universal Disease Prevention

LPNI Health Topic – July 2022

Handwashing may seem extremely basic, but it is a vital step in preventing illness and the spread of harmful viruses and germs, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Handwashing was first identified as a link to preventing infection and disease by a Hungarian doctor, Ignaz Semmelweis, in the mid-19^th century. Unfortunately, he could not convince other physicians of the importance of good hand hygiene. The prevailing theory at that time was that water was the potential cause of disease. Near the same time during the Crimean War, the pioneer of modern-day nursing, Florence Nightingale, implemented handwashing and other hygiene practices in the war hospital where she worked with positive results. Now, almost two hundred years later, we have an abundance of supporting research and proof that handwashing is essential in the prevention and containment of the spread of infection. Handwashing with soap and other forms of hand hygiene are critical tools in achieving and maintaining good health.

It is well established that keeping hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of germs and disease. When should you wash your hands?

· Before, during, and after preparing food

· Before eating

· Before and after caring for someone who is sick

· Before and after treating a cut or wound

· After using the bathroom, changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

· After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

· After touching an animal, animal food or treats, animal cages, or animal waste

· After touching garbage

· If your hands are visible dirty or greasy

What is the best handwashing technique to achieve the maximum germ prevention results?

· Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.

· Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap.

· Scrub all surfaces of your hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. (Need a timer? Hum the Doxology.)

· Rinse your hands under clean, running water.

· Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

· If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.

Hand washing is an easy, cheap, and effective way to prevent the spread of germs. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of germs and promote health.

Carol Broemmer, RN, MA

LCMS Missouri District Parish Nurse Representative

cbroemmer@charter.net

Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing, https://globalhandwashing.org

https://www.who.int/.../guidelines and evidence