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By J.D’Abbraccio RN, MSN

Do you wash your hands with soap? Hold on. Let me ask that question again. Do you scrub your hands vigoursly with soap for at least 20 or more seconds after using the bathroom, sneezing, or handling money?  In a 2007 observational study sponsored by the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA), “slightly over three-quarters of men and women (77%) washed their hands in public restrooms.” So that means one-quarter (25%) did not wash their hands after using the bathroom. Not good! The study also showed that “only one-quarter (25%) self-report always washing their hands after handling money and one-third (34%) after coughing or sneezing.”

Over the last 150 years,  the simple act of handwashing has been one of the most important ways to prevent illness or spread of infection . Today, handwashing is probably the best available weapon we have to fight the rapid wide-spread of H1N1 Flu this season. If soap and water are not accessible, one should use at least an alcohol-based hand rub product to clean your hands. Healthcare workers are instructed and mandated to wash their hands before and after each patient contact to prevent the spread of infection or disease. However, one should remember infections can also spread at home with your loved ones. It is extremely important to educate your family, especially children, on how and when to wash their hands.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states “in the home, the basic rule is to wash hands before preparing food and after handling uncooked meat and poultry, before eating, after changing diapers, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose into a tissue, and after using the bathroom.”

The CDC also provides guidelines on their website on how to wash your hands correctly:

When washing hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
• Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue rubbing hands for 15-20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend.
• Rinse hands well under running water.
• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.
• Always use soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

PLEASE REMEMBER: If you are a patient, parent, customer, or just anyone who wants to protect themselves and others against illness or disease, it is OK to ask people to wash their hands.