Hand Washing Prevents Swine Flu H1N1 Infection
Washing Hands Stops the Spread of Influenza A H1N1 of Swine Origin
May 11, 2009
Good Hand washing is one of the most important infection control measures to prevent the spread of swine flu H1N1. Alcohol based gels also kill influenza viruses. Most people do not wash their hands as thoroughly as needed to prevent the spread of infection.
Proper Hand Washing Technique
First, rinse hands with water. Then use a good amount of soap and rub hands together to form a lather. Next rub the dorsum (top) of each hand with the palm of the opposite hand. With fingers palm side together, spread the fingers apart and interlock them, rubbing them against each other. Then make sure that every part of each individual finger, including regions between the fingers (interdigital) is cleaned. The thumb, which is a commonly missed area, should be washed. The fingertips are also commonly missed during hand washing.
Since bacteria hide under nails, it is important to wash the nails. A nail brush, often used by surgeons performing a surgical scrub, can help remove the dirt that accumulates under fingernails. Alternatively, the nails on one hand can be used to remove the dirt under the fingernails of the other hand. Then the fingernails of one hand can be rubbed against the palm of the other hand to clean the fingernails.
Each wrist should be lathered and rubbed as well.
Sing Happy Birthday Twice to Yourself
The hands and wrist should be rubbed with soap to a lather for at least 20 seconds. Singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice will roughly approximate the amount of time required to adequately wash hands. The hands should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Ideally, warm water is used to wash and rinse hands.
The hands should be completely dried with paper towels. Then the paper towels should be used to turn the faucet handle off so that fingers are not in contact with the faucet.
The most commonly missed areas of the hands during hand washing is the dorsum of the thumbs, the dorsum aspects of the fingertips and in between the fingers near the palm.
A Word about Antibacterial Soap
In non-health care settings, antibacterial soap is no more effective in fighting germs than plain liquid soap. Liquid or foam soap is preferred because it is less likely than bar soap to cause cross-contamination between people. Liquid soap also moisturizes the skin better than bar soap.
Activities Requiring Hand Washing
Washing hands before and after using a public rest room is important to prevent the spread of infection. Hands should also be washed before and after cooking, especially when raw meat or poultry is being prepared. Of course it makes sense to wash hands after sneezing or blowing the nose, as this is the most likely route for spread of respiratory viruses such as swine flu H1N1. Hands should be washed before and after caring for a sick person or dressing a wound. Washing hands is important before inserting contact lenses. Hands should be thoroughly washed after diaper changes or after animal waste is handled.
The simple measure of washing hands, which seems so basic, is highly effective in preventing the spread of many infections. The Centers for Disease Control provides a flyer with tips for effective hand washing.
Legal Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not substitute for medical advice from your health care provider. The author is not providing personal medical opinion, diagnosis or course of treatment. Do not delay or substitute this information for medical treatment.
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