World Hand Hygiene Day – Clean Hands Save Lives!

World Hand Hygiene Day, observed on 5 May, every year holds a lot of significance this year as we battle against the COVID-19 pandemic.

World Hand Hygiene Day, observed on 5 May, every year holds a lot of significance this year as we battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. This day is observed to create awareness of the importance of hand hygiene.

The WHO's theme for this year World Hand Hygiene Day 2021 is "achieving hand hygiene at the point of care" and aims in bringing the improvement in hand hygiene across the world. The 2021 theme this year revolves around 3 important factors that include patient, health care workers, and care or treatment involving contact with the patient or surroundings.

Hand Sanitizers - Interesting Facts You Must Know
Hand sanitizers work by disrupting the outer coat of microbes. Improper use of hand sanitizers could give rise to antimicrobial-resistant superbugs.

‘Proper cleaning of hands is the key to save lives and prevent the spread of many diseases including COVID-19. World Hand Hygiene Day, observed on 5 May, every year holds a lot of significance this year as we battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. This year with the theme of "achieving hand hygiene at the point of care", aims in bringing improvement in hand hygiene across the world.’

Proper handwashing stands as an effective way of preventing the spread of the coronavirus. With the beginning of its global campaign in 2009 that focused on ‘Clean Your Hands’, the World Hygiene Day is thereafter observed annually.

World Hand Hygiene Day

It is reported that many people may not be aware of how to properly wash their hands. Hence amid the surge in COVID-19 infections, World Hand Hygiene Day takes the effort to spread awareness about hand hygiene with WHO slogan 'CLEAN HANDS SAVE LIVES'.

Hand Washing Behavior Improved in Second Graders
Children who were in their second grade washed or used sanitizer gel regularly and found that the bacteria was reduced by more than 90 percent.

Correct handwashing techniques go a long way in keeping oneself and others around us safe amid the pandemic. The six simple and essential steps for effective hand wash is:

Step 1: Wet your hands and apply enough liquid soap to create a good lather.
Step 2: Rub your palms in circular motions - clockwise and anticlockwise
Step 3: Rub the back of hands and in between fingers
Step 4: Interlink your fingers and rub well
Step 5: Clean the thumbs and nails
Step 6: Most importantly, the entire hand washing time must be at least 20 seconds

“To limit our risk of contracting germs, it is important to regularly wash and sanitize our hands. This not only helps kill germs but also stops the spread of any potential infection. Practising good hand hygiene is a priority for maintaining overall health and wellness. We come in contact with innumerable surfaces every day. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom, before eating or touching your face with your hands, and before wearing your mask,” says Dr. Sushrutha C K, Ayurveda expert, research & development, The Himalaya Drug Company.

Indian Namaste the Preferred Greeting over Conventional Handshake
COVID-19 pandemic is causing changes in how we greet each other. The traditional Indian way of greeting with folded hands (Namaste) is now being preferred over handshake. Namaste has more to it than just being a greetings, read to find out

“Hand hygiene makes all the difference”. As the pandemic continues its devastating effect, proper and regular cleaning of hands is the key to save lives and prevent the spread of many diseases including COVID-19.

Source-Medindia

Study Claims Hand Washing Practices Low Among Healthcare Staff In India
Poor hand hygiene practices are a major threat to the health of the patients and doctors as infectious organisms survives for more than 8 hours if hands are not washed.