Infection Control – Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the best way to stop the spread of germs because germs can live on your hands, objects and surfaces. Hand hygiene refers to washing your hands with soap and water or using an alcohol rub to clean your hands.
To wash your hands the right way:
- Use warm running water and soap.
- Spend at least 15-30 seconds lathering and washing hands.
- Rub hands together, paying attention to fingertips, around rings and thumbs.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Dry with paper towel and turn off tap with paper towel.
- Dispose of paper towel in the garbage.
Clean your hands when they are dirty, and at the following times:
- Before you eat.
- Before you prepare food items.
- After touching raw meats like chicken or beef.
- After contact with any body fluids like blood, urine or vomit.
- After you use the washroom or help someone else with toileting.
- Before you visit or leave a resident’s room.
- After handling animals, such as cats or dogs.
- After blowing your nose.
- After coughing or sneezing.
- Before and after you care for someone who is sick.
Eastern Health’s long-term care video, Your Role in Safety, outlines how you and your family are partners in your safe care.