How can I protect myself from infections?
Author
Marion Deter, as published in Alpha1 Journal 1-2019
Washing hands with soap
Proper handwashing is a very simple way to prevent infection. Handwashing is a simple and effective measure to interrupt the transmission route.
Why is this so important?
Because germs (bacteria, viruses and fungi) are transmitted or ingested via the hands.
How quickly can a hand reach the face, for example to scratch the nose? Mucous membranes are excellent entry points.
Our body's own immune system can successfully ward off many pathogens, but unfortunately not always.
There is one drawback: Frequent handwashing can irritate the skin, disrupting its protective acid mantle and leading to dryness. Therefore, it is important to use a moisturizing and emollient skincare product.
Recommended procedure:
- Remove jewelry
- Wet your hands under running water
- Lather hands thoroughly with soap (20 seconds), (palms, backs of hands, fingers, fingertips and nails, spaces between fingers and thumbs)
- Rinse and dry your hands thoroughly.
This should take 30 seconds.
Since handwashing is not always possible, hand disinfection (e.g. when out and about) is a very good alternative.
Cleaning hands with disinfectant
An alcoholic hand sanitizer inactivates or kills germs.
BUT not all disinfectants are effective against all pathogens (e.g., norovirus)!
Therefore, it is recommended to use a certified hand sanitizer that is listed (e.g., with the Robert Koch Institute). The label of these hand sanitizers indicates what they are effective against and how long they need to be rubbed in. Manufacturers have published more detailed tables online.
It is also important to note: only use hand sanitizer on dry skin.
Always reseal bottles after use to prevent evaporation.
Note the shelf life after opening.
Some hand sanitizers contain moisturizing agents. These don't dry out the skin, but people with allergies may react to them. In that case, a non-moisturizing hand sanitizer is recommended.
The recommended disinfection procedure used to consist of six steps, now it consists of three (simplified representation):
- Remove jewelry
- Take a "hollow hand" full of disinfectant (approx. 3-5 milliliters)
- Thoroughly wet hands and rub in carefully (palms, backs of hands, fingers, fingertips and nails, spaces between fingers and thumbs)
That should take about 30 seconds.
To give you an idea of how long 30 seconds is: It's roughly equivalent to humming the Happy Birthday song twice.
