Best seven essential steps for effective hand hygiene

 Best seven essential steps for effective hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is essential for limiting the spread of infections and ensuring better public health.

 

According to the Ministry of Labor, Health, Solidarity, and Families, 80% of microorganisms are transmitted through the hands. 

To minimize the spread of viruses, it is important to follow a specific 7-step protocol.

Why is hand hygiene essential?

Before detailing the steps, it's important to understand why hand hygiene is a key element in infection prevention. 

Every day, our hands come into contact with many potentially contaminated surfaces, making the transmission of bacteria and viruses particularly easy. 

Something as simple as rubbing our eyes, touching our face, or handling food can introduce germs into our bodies.

A simple gesture with major effects

Hands are the primary carriers of germs and are one of the primary vectors for transmitting infections. 

They constantly touch objects, doorknobs, phone screens, and computer keyboards—all surfaces that can become contaminated. 

Without precautions, these bacteria and viruses can be carried to the mouth, nose, or eyes, increasing the risk of disease.

Effective handwashing with soap or using a hydroalcoholic solution can eliminate up to 99% of microbes, significantly reducing the risk of respiratory and digestive infections. 

This simple action is therefore one of the best barriers against the spread of viruses and bacteria responsible for common illnesses such as the flu, gastroenteritis, and skin infections.

A challenge for all sectors of activity

Hand hygiene isn't just a medical issue. It's equally essential in sectors such as restaurants, the food industry, daycare centers, and schools, where the risk of transmission is particularly high. 

Healthcare professionals, retailers, and transportation professionals must also be vigilant, as they come into frequent contact with surfaces handled by many people.

In everyday life, this reflex must be adopted by everyone. Washing hands before eating, after using the toilet, or after coming into contact with soiled objects not only limits the spread of infections but also protects vulnerable people, such as children, the elderly, or those suffering from chronic illnesses.

Adopting good hand hygiene is therefore an essential measure to protect your health and that of others. This not only reduces the transmission of germs but also limits dependence on medication by reducing the risk of contamination.

The 7 Steps of Hand Hygiene

To be fully effective, handwashing must follow a well-defined protocol. Here are the steps recommended by hygiene experts.

1. Wet hands and apply soap

Start by thoroughly wetting your hands under running water, then apply enough liquid soap to cover the entire surface of your hands.

2. Rub palms together

Lather by rubbing your palms together to distribute the soap evenly and remove any remaining impurities.

3. Clean between your fingers

Place one hand on top of the other and interlock your fingers to thoroughly clean the spaces between your fingers where germs accumulate.

4. Rub the backs of your hands

Turn your hands over and rub the back of each hand with the opposite palm. This step helps clean areas that are often forgotten.

5. Clean your thumbs

Take each thumb in the opposite palm and rotate it. This area is often neglected, even though it harbors many germs.

6. Clean fingertips and nails

Rub your fingertips into the palm of your opposite hand to thoroughly remove any dirt from under your nails.

7. Rinse and dry thoroughly

Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry your hands with a clean towel or disposable paper towel. Drying is a key step in preventing the growth of bacteria.

Using a hydroalcoholic solution: an effective alternative

In certain situations, particularly when there is no access to soap and water, the use of hydroalcoholic gel is a recommended alternative.

How to use hydroalcoholic gel correctly?

Using hand sanitizer is an effective alternative to washing hands with soap and water, especially when access to water is limited. However, for it to be truly effective, it must be applied correctly and follow certain essential steps.

Apply a sufficient amount of hydroalcoholic gel to the palm of your hand.

Rub your hands together using the same steps as for regular washing, paying particular attention to the palms, backs of the hands, fingers, and wrists.

Allow to air dry, without wiping or rinsing, to allow the product to effectively eliminate germs and bacteria.

Correct use of hydroalcoholic gel guarantees optimal hand disinfection and significantly limits the transmission of infections daily.

Effectiveness and limitations

Hand sanitizers are highly effective against most bacteria and viruses, provided they are used correctly. However, they are not a substitute for hand washing when there is visible soiling.

When should you wash your hands?

Washing your hands regularly is essential for limiting the spread of germs and preventing infections. Certain everyday situations require special attention to ensure good hand hygiene.

Before and after certain activities

Certain common actions involve an increased risk of contamination, making hand washing essential:

Before eating or handling food, to avoid the transmission of germs through ingestion.

After using the toilet, to eliminate bacteria present on sanitary surfaces.

Before and after contact with a vulnerable person, particularly infants, the elderly, or immunocompromised people, in order to limit the risk of infection.

Adopting these good hygiene practices helps limit the spread of bacteria and viruses, thus reducing the risk of daily infections for yourself and those around you.

After contact with contaminated surfaces

Since hands are in constant contact with various objects and surfaces, they can quickly become a vector for germs. Thorough washing is recommended:

After touching frequently handled objects, such as door handles, the telephone, or the computer keyboard, which are breeding grounds for bacteria.

After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, avoid spreading germs to those around you and prevent contamination.

Adopting these reflexes helps protect your health and that of others by effectively reducing the risks of daily infections.