healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicrobial resistance, health costs, and saves lives. Poor compliance with hand

Hygiene practices remains both a problem and a challenge for IPC practitioners all over the world.

The under-5 mortality rate in Uganda is 55 per 1,000 population.

But the death-causing diseases is preventable by correct handwashing.

Since the conflict lasted over 20 years until 2006, building infrastructure such as water supplying facility is a big issue in Uganda.

In such unhygienic conditions, correct handwashing plays an important role to prevent children from diseases.

Learn more about when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or already sick, find out how good hand hygiene can protect you, your family, and others.

Wash Your Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before eating food

Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or 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

washing hands under faucet

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

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

Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

using hand sanitizer

You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals. 

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Baths or toilets are commonly known to be one of the spaces that houses a greater number of germs.
In the case of hospital restrooms, in particular, the risk of germination proliferation is even greater. This makes hygiene and disinfection even more important in these spaces.
Thus, in hospitals, nursing homes or medical centers, toilets should be cleaned at least once a day or whenever deemed necessary.

If working with cleaning carts, they must be placed in the entrance blocking the passage. In the same way that happens with the rooms, the entrance of the cars to the zone of the bathroom is prohibited.

Cleaning the walls of bathrooms in hospitals
Cleaning of toilets in hospital bathrooms
Cleaning of showers and bathtubs in hospitals
Cleaning of shower screens in hospitals
Cleaning shower curtains in hospitals
Cleaning the floors of bathrooms in hospitals

Cleaning the walls of bathrooms in hospitals
The walls of the bathrooms will be sanitized once a month always from top to bottom and respecting from cleaner to dirtier.
First, a scrub will be applied (never cleaned dry) with a bactericidal detergent.
The rinse will be done with the double bucket system (one bucket for scrubbing with the cleaning solution and another for rinsing with clean water).
Drying will help us to prevent the proliferation of germs that sometimes arise from humid environments.

Cleaning of toilets in hospital bathrooms

The toilets of hospitals, nursing homes or medical centers will be sanitized a minimum of twice a day.
As with all other surfaces, cleaning will be done wet and inside out. To ensure proper disinfection, we will use a non-corrosive liquid bactericide.

Following this line, the material chosen for cleaning should avoid scratches and be exclusive for cleaning and disinfection of toilets.

Thus, we will avoid cross contamination problems.

Cleaning of showers and bathtubs in hospitals

The cleaning and disinfection of showers and bathtubs will be carried out twice a day, also using the inside out method.
As with sanitary ware, we will opt for a liquid bactericide capable of killing bacteria effectively, but of a non-corrosive nature to avoid damaging surfaces.

The material used must avoid scratches so that the scourers or other tools of great hardness will be vetoed.
Cleaning of shower screens in hospitals

It is increasingly common to replace shower curtains with screens. The first houses a smaller amount of germs and their cleaning is more comfortable than that offered by the curtains.
In this way, the screens will be sanitized twice a day with a suitable glass cleaner and using the rubbing technique.

Cleaning shower curtains in hospitals

There are showers or bathtubs that have a curtain instead of a screen. In these cases we must pay special attention to the possible appearance of black spots. These are usually mold remains inhabited by fungi.

As the curtains are in constant contact with moisture, we will clean and disinfect them whenever necessary.
In this case, we will apply bleach using the rubbing technique and rinse the shower curtain correctly.

Cleaning the floors of bathrooms in hospitals

Floors tend to be more punished than walls. Therefore, we will clean and disinfect them more frequently: twice a day.
Again, we will use the double-bucket method with a disinfectant detergent to kill as many germs as possible.

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Avoiding showering after a physical education class is a more common practice than we think in school gyms.
Most of the time, lack of time and resources are the most frequent reasons that cause this action to be omitted.
But we must be aware that showering in school gyms is an action that deserves time, since it not only helps prevent contagion, but indirectly, improves the well-being of all students.
Next, we give some guidelines and explain what effects it may have not to shower after physical education classes.

What are the effects of not showering after playing sports?
When we do sports, our body removes some substances in the form of sweat. So far, there is no reason to worry, since this reaction is natural to our body.
The problem comes when we don’t clean that sweat and it gives rise to new microorganisms and bad smells.
When sweat smells bad, normally, it is due to the bacteria that are released by our body. These bacteria can be harmful or not. But, in any case, the fact of not showering increases that risk.

Moisture is the preferred breeding ground for many germs. When we don’t shower after playing sports, we encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria that inhabit our body.
Tips when showering in school gyms

The changing rooms that we find in school gyms, and in the same way that occurs in any other space shared by many people, present a greater risk of infection than the bathroom of our house.
To prevent any type of contagion, we will make sure to wear footwear at all times or protect our feet to avoid direct contact with the ground and curb fungal infection.
Drying after showering is almost as important as showering. Eliminating the remains of moisture reduces the risk of infections and infections.

And finally, changing clothes is an essential action to make showering in school gyms an effective action.

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The flu, like any other viral disease, is highly susceptible to reaching epidemic levels in schools during the most critical times of the year.

The lack of awareness of the youngest students when it comes to preventing infections and the fact that the teaching staff has to deal with so many students at the same time is one of the main reasons.

The children handle the toys, put them in their mouths and then they pass from one to the other.

In previous articles we listed the 10 most common sources of germs in schools and explained what we should do to inactivate them.

It is virtually impossible to keep all spaces and surfaces clean and disinfected all the time. But we can help ourselves with products for the disinfection of the hands such as, for example, hydroalcoholic gel, which slows contagions by acting on the main germ transmitter: the hands.

What is hydroalcoholic gel?
The hands, main germ transmitters
Hand disinfectant gel for teachers in different format, hydroalcoholic gel is an alcohol-based solution specially designed to disinfect hands comfortably and quickly.

Among its advantages, it stands out that it does not require rinsing, so we can use it at any time and in any place.

Hydroalcoholic gel eliminates 99.99% of the germs of our hands, thus considerably reducing the number of flu and viral diseases in schools.

In addition, it contains dermoprotective agents that prevent the skin from drying out after use.

The hands, main germ transmitters
Hands are the preferred means of transport of germs, as they are the fastest way to “jump” from one surface to another.

In the case of schools, specifically, contagions usually occur when children put their hands to their mouths after having touched a contaminated toy, for example. Or when teachers scratch one eye after touching a contaminated surface.

In this article we explained the importance of avoiding covering our mouths with our hands each time we sneeze. Therefore, it is interesting that in the initial courses students are educated in these types of behaviors that are difficult to modify in the future.

Luckily, influenza is a disease with mild “incidents,” but these guidelines can also help prevent more serious infections.

Papelmatic-Hygiene-Professional-Gel-Disinfectant-Teachers-Schools-Germs-Hands
Disinfectant gel for teachers in different formats
Papelmatic-Hygiene-Professional-Gel-Disinfectant-Teachers-Colleges-Format
Hydroalcoholic gel is a solution for hand hygiene aimed at teachers. It is easy to use and helps reduce absenteeism, as well as reduce flu infections in schools.

In the case of children, it is recommended to emphasize personal hygiene guidelines and wait until they are older to ensure good use of disinfectant gel.

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Surgical handwashing aims to eliminate as many pathogens present in hands and arms as possible before entering the operating room to avoid cross contamination.

Surgical handwashing, unlike conventional handwashing, is done with soapy compositions that contain iodinated povidone or chlorhexidine and is applied to hands thoroughly and forearms.

What is surgical hand washing?

Surgical handwashing is defined as an energetic rub of the hands and part of the arms with soapy solutions composed of iodinated povidone or chlorhexidine.

These compositions are especially effective in removing not only dirt, but also bacteria from the hands.

Mostly, the surgical handwashing technique is applied before entering the operating room in hospitals, veterinary clinics, etc. and at the exit of it.

This technique should not be confused with that of clinical hand washing, which is less intense and is performed before and after health care.

Objective of surgical handwashing

The main objective of surgical handwashing is to achieve a high degree of asepsis before and after surgery.

With this technique it is possible to rigorously eliminate possible remains that may remain in the hands or arms and thus avoid the dreaded nosocomial infections in hospitals.

Recall that the hands are one of the main transmitters of germs and, in case of not applying good hygiene, we put at risk the health of the patients and that of the professionals themselves.

Requirements prior to surgical handwashing

Before applying the technique of surgical handwashing, we must ensure that the technical healthcare staff meets the following requirements:

Nails should be short, clean and especially without enamel.

All jewelry must be removed from hands such as rings, bracelets or watches.

In case of injuries or cuts, the personnel must refrain from the participation of invasive interventions until their cure.

Dispense with brushes for washing hands or nails.

Surgical Hand Washing Procedure

1. Hands must be completely clean (free of enamels and the presence of jewelry).
2. Moisten hands and forearms with warm water
3. Clean the nails with the help of a spatula indicated for this purpose.
4. Apply the antiseptic on hands and forearms and rub in circular movements covering the spaces between the fingers.
5. Washing will always be from the hands to the forearms; never the other way around The process should take 4 minutes.
6. Rinse arms separately.
7. Dry hands and arms with a sterile towel or disposable paper
8. After surgical hand washing, the arms should remain above the waist, avoiding touching anything until the gloves are placed.It is important that every time the tap is opened or closed, this action is performed with the elbow to avoid contaminating the hands and forearms.
   In the case that skin conditioners are used, as is the case with Hand Medic, these are only allowed after the departure from the operating room, never before entry.

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The event aims to develop and support a global and regional culture of washing hands with soap, paying attention to hand washing in various countries and increasing the promotion of the benefits of hand washing with soap or hand soap. As one of the sponsors of Global Handwashing Day, UNICEF actively promotes child-to-child hand washing campaigns through its offices around the world, calling on people to use action to wake everyone up to wash their hands properly, using soap or hand soap.

Washing hands, preventing disease health awareness; motivating people to improve their health behaviors, especially teaching children to develop good health attitudes and habits from childhood; advocating government and community to improve environmental sanitation, including hand washing facilities.

The meaning of washing your hands with soap or hand soap

Pneumonia and diarrhea are the leading causes of death among children under five. Every year, more than 3.5 million children worldwide are unable to celebrate their 5th birthday because of diarrhoea and pneumonia. Washing hands with soap can save millions of children. Hand washing can also prevent skin infections, eye infections, intestinal parasitic diseases, SARS and avian flu, and is beneficial to the health of cancer patients and people living with HIV.
Washing hands with soap is a life-saving intervention that is accessible to all countries and communities, both technically and economically. Advance this measure not only because it is good for health, but also because washing hands with soap makes people feel comfortable, can reflect a person’s social status and education, and washing hands can make people closer to each other.

Correct hand washing points

With regard to hand washing and advocating hand washing, the following 5 points need to be kept in mind.

1. Washing hands with water is not enough to wash bacteria
Washing hands with water only is a common practice in the world, and the efficiency is far lower than washing hands with soap or hand soap. Proper hand washing requires soap or hand soap and only a small amount of water. Use soap or hand soap to destroy the grease and dirt that carries most of the bacteria on your hands, and remove them by adding water. All soaps or hand sanitizers are equally effective at removing pathogenic bacteria as long as they are used correctly.

2. Washing your hands with soap or hand soap can help prevent a variety of germs that threaten children’s lives.
Washing hands with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent diarrhoeal diseases and pneumonia, which are the leading causes of child death. Every year, more than 3.5 million children are unable to celebrate their 5th birthday because of diarrhoea and pneumonia. Hand washing can also prevent skin infections, eye infections, intestinal parasites, SARS and bird flu, and is beneficial to the health of people living with HIV and AIDS. Studies have shown that hand washing can effectively prevent the spread of disease, even in overcrowded, highly polluted slum environments.

3. The key moments of hand washing include: after going to the toilet, after cleaning the butt and cleaning the food
You must wash your hands after going to the toilet, cleaning your butt (or other human feces, including babies and children), and before touching any food. The hand is the main carrier of pathogenic bacteria. It is important to ensure that people can wash their hands in any way at these critical moments. Simple, inexpensive methods, such as tilting faucets (or drip taps), and even the poorest communities can be achieved economically and technically.

4. Proper hand washing is the cheapest and simplest health intervention
Hand washing is the cheapest compared to other commonly used long-term health interventions. The health benefit of investing $3.35 for hand washing is equivalent to investing $11 for toilet construction, which is equivalent to investing $200 for household water supply, equivalent to investing thousands of dollars for immunization programs. Investing in soaping hands can also increase the health benefits of investing in water and sanitation, and reduce health risks when families do not have basic sanitation and water services. Cost is not a barrier to hand washing. Almost all households in the world have soap, but they are usually used only for laundry, washing dishes, bathing, not washing their hands.

5. Children will be the messengers of change
When sharing good health practices, as a part of society, children are often the most powerful and enthusiastic group, and are willing to accept new things. After learning in the school’s “handwashing class”, they return to their homes and communities to become behavioral changes. Promoter. The active participation of children (ideally, where children are located at the intersection of families, schools, and communities), when combined with culturally-friendly (sensitive) community-based interventions, ensures sustainable behavioral change. The goal of Global Handwashing Day is to motivate children to receive and share correct handwashing practices, placing them as “handwashing ambassadors” at the heart of national and local activities.

The correct method of hand washing requires everyone to master and practice it. Only every family, every school, every community, the whole country and the whole world can adhere to the correct method of hand washing and develop good hand washing habits. Its social health benefits can be reflected, and “Global Handwashing Day” will be “not just a commemorative day!”

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Good cleaning and disinfection is essential to avoid infections and infections in any sector, and it is crucial in areas such as the food industry, health centers, schools and kindergartens, laboratories, kitchens or bathrooms.

The market offers a wide range of disinfectants to eliminate microorganisms such as: viruses, fungi, algae or bacteria. There are specific products for the food industry – with HA Registry -, for the health sector, for toilets, changing rooms, kindergartens, etc. Disinfectant products with different compounds such as: quaternary amonis, aldehydes, peroxides, hypochlorites, iodoforms …, which provide them with virucidal, fungicidal, bactericidal, etc. functions. In the face of such a variety it is important to be advised by hygiene professionals to choose the best product for each area or function safely.

Here are some simple recommendations to get the right disinfection in your business.

What is the difference between cleaning and disinfecting?

Cleaning involves removing germs and dirt from surfaces or objects. This process does not completely eliminate germs, decreases the amount and risk of spreading the disease.

Disinfecting involves eliminating harmful microorganisms and preventing its development. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces, but destroying germs greatly reduces the risk of spreading disease or infections.

Why it is so important to clean and disinfect?

To prevent the spread of infections, diseases or infections.

Ensure that the service or product that we offer to the customer is of quality.

Generate trust in the client.

Prevent contamination in food products.

To comply with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (APPCC or HACCP in English) that guarantees food safety.

Extend the service life of facilities, premises, utensils and equipment.

Improve the image of the company.

Achieve a healthy work environment.

Tips for proper disinfection:

Each sector, activity or business is subject to certain regulations. It is important that before using a disinfectant, we ensure that it meets the current regulations for its application. For example, disinfectants used in the food industry need a specific record (HA Registry) that authorizes their use for this type of facilities.

When applying a disinfectant it is essential to control the following variables to obtain an optimal result.

Contact time: the disinfectant and the surfaces or utensils must be in contact for a certain time to ensure the elimination of microorganisms.

Solution temperature: It must be uniform, a temperature range ranging from 20 ° C to 49 ° C is recommended.

Concentration of the solution: It varies according to the type of disinfectant, so the recommendation of the manufacturer or the professional adviser must be followed.

It is also important to assess the economic cost of the product and its effectiveness or potential dangers of application. There are products of low cost and high effectiveness, but nevertheless can be toxic, carcinogenic or mutagenic products. We always advise you on the advice of staff trained in the professional hygiene sector and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

We also have to keep in mind that without proper cleaning the disinfection process does NOT meet its objective. Hygiene is essential in order to control sources of contamination. For this reason, we recommend establishing a hygiene plan that specifies the disinfection process that must be applied to each place and object (the frequency, procedures, products used …) to control and ensure a good disinfection .

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Small bacteria are a big hazard! Busy work requires us to hate to become three-headed and six-armed or even incarnate in the hands of Guanyin.

While doing a good job, our hands often catch a variety of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Even super bacteria, which are clinically troublesome multi-drug resistant bacteria!

Then, take a look at our hands after the incarnation of Avalokitesvara! This is the case on the surface.

Office, hand shake, hygiene, germs, bacterial

Actually, it is like this

Do you know how many bacteria are in your hand? A person’s hand can hold more than 400,000 bacteria.

A large number of epidemiological data indicate that hospital infections are mostly transmitted directly or indirectly through contact, which is more dangerous than air transmission.

In daily life, the hand has the most chance of contact with other items, and the bacteria on the skin of the hand are more than the other parts of the body, both in type and in quantity.

bacterial in hands

When I saw such a picture, many people started to calm down.

? “I feel very disgusting!”

? “We usually see a cockroach, it feels so dirty and disgusting!”

“Oh, our hands, if you don’t wash your hands, it’s like holding an armpit!”

“When you bring so many bacteria to the patient, isn’t that the same as poisoning?”

It is estimated that washing up hands every year can save the lives of 1 million people who are sick.

The six-step hand washing method recommended by the World Health Organization can reduce the number of bacteria by 21%.

Strict implementation of correct hand washing rules can reduce hospital infections by 20%-30%

Then the problem is coming!

How to wash?

The seven-character slogan method makes it easy for you to start, “inside and outside the folder attacking the big pill”, it seems like the martial arts magic trick.

Have you washed your hands today?

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