800.866.0407
With enterovirus, ebola and other viruses affecting thousands, proper hand-washing practices are more important than ever — especially in a hospital or clinic setting. Follow these five tips from the Mayo Clinic for washing your hands and correctly using hand sanitizer.
1. Always wash your hands when they’re visibly dirty. Hand sanitizer is convenient and a great option when soap and water aren’t readily available, but it is not a substitute for vigorously scrubbing away dirt and grime. Be sure to wash your hands whenever they become soiled instead of solely using hand sanitizer.
2. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Scrub your wrists, the back of your hands, between your fingers and under your fingernails with hot water and soap. It may be helpful to sing the “Happy Birthday” song to yourself twice to ensure you’re washing long enough. Once you’re done, turn off the faucet with a paper towel, if possible, and dry your hands thoroughly.
3. Use enough hand sanitizer to kill germs. Make sure the hand sanitizer you use contains 60 percent or more alcohol, and use enough to cover your hands completely. Then rub them together until they are completely dry before touching anything.
4. Wash up (or use hand sanitizer if you can’t wash your hands) whenever they become contaminated. You should wash your hands before and after eating and before and after administering medication. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, blowing your nose, handling diapers and other waste or caring for a patient. You can use hand sanitizer before and after patient visits as well.
5. Wash your hands at the beginning and end of every shift. Proper hand-washing kills germs you’ve brought into the facility and also protects you and your family as you leave work.
Keep yourself and your patients germ-free with these hand-washing techniques — and be sure to wash your hands properly at home to stay healthy as well.
