Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs in healthcare settings. It involves cleaning hands using alcohol-based hand sanitizer and handwashing with soap and water. To be effective at killing some types of germs, hand sanitizers need to have a strength of at least 60% alcohol and be used when hands are not visibly dirty or greasy. Clean hands are the most important factor in preventing disease transmission and antimicrobial resistance across all healthcare settings.

Hand Hygiene Resources

Additional questions about hand hygiene? Please contact hai@vdh.virginia.gov.

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