Hand hygiene is a fundamental practice involving the cleaning of hands to remove or inactivate microorganisms. It effectively reduces the presence of germs on the hands. This practice is a foundational step in preventing the spread of numerous infections.
Interrupting Germ Transmission
Hand hygiene primarily prevents germ transfer by addressing the pathogen load on hands. Hands frequently act as vehicles for germ transmission, moving microorganisms from contaminated surfaces to the mouth, nose, eyes, or to other people and surfaces. Cleaning hands removes or inactivates these pathogens, acting as a barrier in the chain of infection.
One common method involves washing with soap and water, which mechanically removes microorganisms. Soap molecules possess both water-attracting (hydrophilic) and oil-repelling (hydrophobic) ends. The hydrophobic ends attach to oils, dirt, and pathogens on the skin, while the hydrophilic ends interact with water, allowing the mixture to be rinsed away. Scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds can reduce bacteria by up to 99.9 percent.
Alternatively, alcohol-based hand sanitizers disrupt the structure of many bacteria and viruses. Alcohol denatures proteins and dissolves lipid membranes. For effectiveness, these sanitizers typically contain at least 60% alcohol, such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective at killing a broad spectrum of pathogens, including multi-drug resistant bacteria and various viruses.
Protecting Individual and Public Health
Beyond interrupting germ transmission, hand hygiene safeguards health at individual and community levels. For individuals, consistent handwashing reduces common infections, including colds, influenza, and gastrointestinal illnesses. Regular hand cleaning is an effective way to avoid getting sick and spreading communicable diseases.
At a public health level, widespread hand hygiene helps prevent outbreaks in diverse settings, such as schools, workplaces, and healthcare facilities. It protects vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals, who face a higher risk of severe illness. In healthcare environments, hand hygiene is the single most effective action to reduce hospital-acquired infections and improve patient safety.
Hand hygiene also combats antimicrobial resistance (AMR). By reducing infections, it decreases the need for antibiotics, slowing the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Hand hygiene defends against the spread of infectious diseases, including those already resistant to antibiotics. This practice helps preserve the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial drugs.