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From other websitesContent disclaimerContent on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. It is important to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Why is washing my hands important?Washing your hands is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to stay healthy and stop the spread of bacteria and viruses such as colds and flu and perhaps even coronavirus COVID-19. How does a virus on my hands lead to an infection in my body?When you rub your eyes or touch your nose or mouth, any viruses on your hands can enter your body through mucous membranes in your eyes, nose or mouth. Think about all the things you touch every day – doorknobs, elevator buttons, door handles, ATMs, touchscreens, your cellphone (and all the surfaces it has touched) – just to name a few! When you touch these objects, any viruses that are able to survive on these surfaces may be transferred to your hands. According to the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, whether you realize it or not, it’s estimated that people touch their face at least 23 times an hour. This is why washing your hands is so important. What’s the proper technique for washing my hands?There are only a few simple steps to take to give your hands a thorough cleaning and prevent the spread of illness. The steps are:
Do I need to use antibacterial soap to wash my hands?No, not at all, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA says there is no proof that using consumer-labeled “antibacterial” soap is better at preventing illness than ordinary soap and water. Actually all soap is antibacterial. And because germs you are exposed to include viruses, it makes even less sense to worry about “antibacterial” labeled soap. When can I or should I use alcohol-based hand sanitizers?The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible to reduce the amounts and types of all germs and chemicals on your hands. However, if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers with lower alcohol levels are not as effective in killing germs. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers in removing certain germs from your hands. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can actually kill certain types of germs – but not all germs – and in those cases, you need to use soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers:
To use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, squeeze the sanitizer into the palm of one hand (read the product label to learn the proper amount), rub your hands together, including the back of your hands and fingers. Continue rubbing until your hands are dry. One final note: Alcohol rubs are better and easier for young children to use because they lack the coordination for good hand washing techniques. Only use alcohol-based hand sanitizers under adult supervision and keep these products out of your child’s reach. Are there any dangers from washing my hands too often?If you have a lot of cracks in the skin on your hands or have dry or chapped hands, be careful about how often you wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers (which can further dry out your skin). Washing your hands too often or using these hand sanitizers strips your hands of healthy oils and the good bacteria needed to fight off germs. Germs can also more easily enter your body through skin that is not intact. To combat this condition, apply a moisturizing hand cream or lotion to damp hands. Signs you’re overwashing your hands include red or raw skin, itching or flaky skin and pain. Check with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns you may be overwashing your hands. When should I wash my hands?Wash your hands:
Remember: Hand washing is a simple, effective way to fight off infections and keep yourself healthy. It’s easy to do, inexpensive and only takes 20 seconds of your time. In fact, it’s the best 20 seconds you can spend on your health – and the health of others around you. What are the 3 methods of infection control?Hand hygiene. Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, eyewear). Respiratory hygiene / cough etiquette.
What are the 5 types of precautions?Infection Control and Prevention - Transmission-based precautions. Contact Precautions. ... . Droplet Precautions. ... . Airborne Precautions. ... . Eye Protection.. What are the 5 Standard Precautions for infection control?Standard precautions consist of the following practices: hand hygiene before and after all patient contact. the use of personal protective equipment, which may include gloves, impermeable gowns, plastic aprons, masks, face shields and eye protection. the safe use and disposal of sharps.
What is the most effective way to prevent infection?Take action and practice hand hygiene often. Use soap and water or an alcoholbased hand rub to clean your hands. It only takes 15 seconds to practice hand hygiene.
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