Hand Hygiene Tips

Infectious diseases are usually caused by viruses or bacteria, and a number of our most common infectious diseases are transmitted from person to person through the hands. Examples of such diseases are colds, Influenza and stomach flu/diarrhea. Maybe you sneeze or cough in your hands, or accidentally get bacteria on your hands. The bacteria are quick to multiply and can sometimes lead to disease.

Frequent hand-washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness

If you wash your hands properly with soap and water for 15-30 seconds, up to 95% of all microorganisms will disappear. Hand washing for 5-8 seconds removes only 50-75% of microorganisms.

10 hand hygiene tips:

• Always wash your hands after visiting the toilet. Remember your thumbs!
• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Avoid eating with your fingers when you have not washed your hands.
• Wash your hands when you come home from work or school.
• Use the elbow when sneezing or coughing – not the palm.
• Wash your hands for 15-30 seconds with soap and clean warm water .
• Use a nail brush if you have long nails.
• Bacteria can hide under large rings. Remove the rings and wash them periodically.
• Avoid sticking your fingers in your mouth, especially after shaking hands.
• If you are traveling and soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel consisting of at least 60% alcohol.
• Use a moisturizer if you have dry hands. Dry skin is more responsive and vulnerable to bacteria and wounds

Source: Folkehelseinstituttet (FHI), Norsk Helseinformatikk (NHI), leverandørinformasjon, Lommelegen