Hardly anyone knows that up to 80 percent of all infectious diseases start with a handshake. Consistent disinfection is therefore essential in medical facilities to prevent infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared May 5th International Hand Hygiene Day.
The date, May 5th, was deliberately chosen and symbolizes the five fingers on each hand.
In addition, the “5 moments of hand hygiene” define the most important situations in which healthcare workers should carry out hand hygiene:
- before patient contact
- before an aseptic activity (e.g. dressing wounds)
- after contact with potentially infectious material
- after patient contact
- after contact with the immediate patient environment (e.g. changing bed linen)
In hospitals, hand sanitizer dispensers can be found in almost every room. “These products contain moisturizing substances and therefore do not attack the protective layer of the skin even when used frequently,” explains Gertraud Schmid-Rebatz, qualified health and nursing assistant and hygiene specialist at the Schärding Clinic. Washing your hands also reduces health risks at home. “Flu viruses survive on surfaces for around 48 hours. Regular hand washing also protects against contagious infections at home.”
