Mommyato Blog | The Importance of Clean Hands: The Key to Breaking the Chain of Infection

02 Dec The Importance of Clean Hands: The Key to Breaking the Chain of Infection

Posted at 10:20h in Family Health, Health by Mommyato

The first week of December is National Handwashing Awareness Week. Handwashing is critical to interrupting the chain of infection that spreads germs and disease. So let’s do a review of the fast facts to keep you and your babies safe!

Thorough, correct handwashing technique removes germs and bacteria that we come into contact with throughout the course of the day. This single act maintains our health and prevents transmission of disease.
Handwashing disrupts the chain of infection, which is a series of events that must occur for an infection to take hold and spread, by killing bacteria and viruses before we touch our faces (portals of entry into the body) or touch surfaces that spread disease to others.
Correct handwashing technique:
- Wet hands with clean water.
- Lather well with soap paying special attention to backs of hands, between fingers, under nails, and around wrists.
- Scrub hands for 20 seconds and rinse with running water.
- Dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.

Teach your family this technique. Even toddlers can learn the steps!

Hand sanitizers, when used correctly, are effective at killing some pathogens but not all. Handwashing is a superior method for eliminating germs, especially when hands are visibly dirty.

To make hand washing fun and habitual for the family, try these tips:

Set reminders by placing visual cues in the bathroom or kitchen. Teach hand washing when coming home from school and before all meals!
Make it enjoyable! Use scented soaps and cute, kid friendly faucet adaptors that make it easier for kids to reach running water. Play a favorite song for the 20 second scrub time.

Regular handwashing is a critical part of health maintenance and infection prevention. Teach your babies early and lead by example!