Hand hygiene is the single most important measure to reduce transmission of microorganisms from one person to another or from one site to another on the same person. It is inexpensive and forms an integral part of infection control practices in healthcare.

Our hands are home to two types of bacterial flora - the resident flora and the transient flora. The resident flora is found in the deeper layers of skin.

Transient flora, on the other hand, is found in the superficial layers of the skin. Bacteria in the transient flora are acquired by direct contact with patients or contaminated environmental surfaces. It is the transient flora, which is responsible for most cases of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) by cross transmission. But, as it is said “every cloud has a silver lining”. These bacteria are readily removed by observing meticulous hand hygiene (hand washing with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol).

The “WHO 5 moments for hand hygiene” recommends that health-care workers clean their hands

1. Before touching a patient
2. Before clean/aseptic procedures
3. After body fluid exposure/risk
4. After touching a patient
5. After touching patient surroundings

Handwashing with soap and water should be used in association with care of patients with known or suspected norovirus or Clostridiodes (formerly Clostridium) difficile infection since alcohol does not kill C. difficile spores or norovirus.

Handwashing is not only important for healthcare observers, but also for the general public.

Handwashing education in the community can:

• Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by about 23-40%
• Reduce diarrheal illness in people with HIV by about 58%
• Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16-21%

To stay healthy, wash your hands

• Before during and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting and diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

How to wash hands

• When washing hands with soap and water, first wet hands with water, then apply an amount of product as recommended by the manufacturer to hands; rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a disposable towel. Use towel to turn off the faucet.
• Liquid, bar, leaflet, or powdered forms of plain soap are acceptable when washing hands with soap and water. When bar soap is used, small bars of soap and soap racks that facilitate drainage should be used.
• Multiple-use cloth towels of the hanging or roll type are not recommended for use in health care settings.

Watch my Facebook Live talk today at 11 am to learn why hand hygiene is important at https://www.facebook.com/drkkaggarwal/

Fena, a leading player in the field of Personal Care products along with Fabric Care, Home Care products has partnered with Heart Care Foundation of India for the forthcoming 26th Perfect Health Mela to be held from 18^th to 20^th October. Visit the stall at the Mela to know more about their handwash products and how they help in hand hygiene.

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA