Hand hygiene compliance is very important especially in this time of the pandemic. Parents need to lead by example and show their children that hand hygiene is an integral part of good health.
Public should engage in regular washing of hands with soap and water in order to avoid contracting the virus. Most common viruses spread easily through the hands. It is therefore very important that proper hand hygiene is maintained, especially in this time of the pandemic. While washing of hands can be practised on a regular basis, we urge all places where the public tend to visit on a regular basis to ensure that hand sanitizers are installed and to encourage people to use the same.
It is also important for parents to advise their children, who are considered asymptomatic carriers on the importance of constant hand hygiene during these pandemic times and even later. Parents should encourage their children to wash their hands with soap before eating, after using the washroom, touching pets and after playing outside the house. They must also constantly advise them not to touch their face, especially their noses and eyes. Parents need to lead by example and show their children that hand hygiene is an integral part of good health.
Some people are allergic to alcohol-based hand sanitizers. This is normally when a harmless substance acts as an invader and stimulates an immune response within the body to fight it off. The best alternative for individuals who are allergic to alcohol based santizers is to use soap and plain water, regularly. There are also non-alcohol based sanitizers, which are available in the market, which such individuals can use.
Some tips for washing of hands:
1.Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
2. Use quality soaps, whether liquid or regular soap.
3. Choose soaps without harmful chemicals.
4. Try to use antibacterial soaps.
5. Wash as often as possible and encourage children to do so too.
6. Avoid too much use of sanitizer. Wash with soap and water whenever possible.
It is important for healthcare delivery personnel also to practice regular hand hygiene, using the right technique and the correct products.
Dr. Shafiq A M
Co-Founder and CEO
Specialist Hospital, Bengaluru
