Hand hygiene: small act for a great effect

---

Extract from the article: The hand, an essential tool of the human body, is constantly in contact with the environment. This multi-functional organ

---

The hand, an essential tool of the human body, is constantly in contact with the environment. This multi-functional organ is also the most important means of transmitting micro-organisms if it is not hygienically maintained. With the reduction in barrier measures against Covid-19, many people have also slowed down this healthy hygienic practice.  

A simple everyday act, hand washing done properly has great positive consequences on health. Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from disease. On the surface, a contaminated hand may look clean, but contact with mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, eyes, or non-intact skin can lead to infection such as diarrhoea, flu, or conjunctivitis. One example of reducing contamination through hand washing is coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

When to wash your hands?         

It is recommended to wash your hands before preparing food, after blowing your nose. After coughing or sneezing with your hands against your mouth, or even after using the toilet, you should practice this hygienic measure.

It is often noticed among the good ladies who sell food at the roadside, that after handling their smartphones, they get up abruptly without trying to wash their hands. So they start serving the customer. Beware of the risk of contaminating the food. This should be avoided.

In hospitals, visitors and carers who come into contact with patients must ensure that their hands are clean. This is to prevent the transmission of germs and thus avoid infections, for example, when entering and leaving the patient's room. It is recommended that carers always disinfect their hands with a hydroalcoholic solution at specific times to protect themselves and the patient.   This rule is put into practice before touching the patient, before carrying out a manipulation or an invasive act: taking blood samples, placing a catheter or a urinary probe. It is also advisable to wash hands when there is a risk of exposure to body fluids or mucous membranes of the patient: when emptying the urine bag, and after contact with objects or surfaces in the immediate environment of the patient: bed, night table.

The right gestures

In order to have optimal hand hygiene, the washing must be applied to the entire surface of the hand. Bacteria like warm and humid places.  This is why, when washing your hands, it is advisable to remove your jewellery and not to neglect the folds and long nails, which are real nests for bacteria.  After washing for at least twenty to thirty seconds, dry your hands with a dry, clean or disposable cloth.

Raymond DZAKPATA