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
- Hand Hygiene: Why, How, and When?
- Measuring Hand Hygiene: Overcoming the Challenges
- Safely Using Hand Sanitizer
- Fire Safety and Alcohol Based Hand Sanitizer
For Patients/Residents
- Clean Hands Count for Patients and Visitors
- Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings for Patients
- Frequent Questions About Hand Hygiene
For Healthcare Providers
- WHO: How to handwash video?
- How to Wash Hands (poster)
- WHO Tools for Hand Hygiene Training and Education
For Healthcare Providers
Additional questions about hand hygiene? Please contact hai@vdh.virginia.gov.
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