Infection prevention for the general population

-Automatic translation

Hand washing is the most important infection control strategy since exposure via direct and indirect contact is the most common route of human-to-human transmission. We touch all our environment with our hands, and with them, pathogens can get into the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose, eyes, and genitals and cause infection. Hand-held infections can get into food, which can cause infections to travel to other people. Therefore, Careful hand washing is essential, whether to protect yourself or the environment.

Clean hands prevent infection

Research and observations have shown that, in general, people need to wash their hands more adequately and carefully. Jewellery must be removed before washing hands, as there may be a lot of dirt underneath it. Remember to clean all the areas thoroughly, e.g., between your fingers, fingertips, and fingernails, when washing your hands. Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly:

• before cooking meals

• before and after meals

• after toilet trips

• after direct contact with a wound, blood, and any body fluids

• after changing diapers on a child

• after contact with animals

Typical skin bacteria are essential for all humans and are part of our defence system. These bacteria are often divided into local bacteria in the lower layers of skin, which are not so easily washed off, and flaky bacteria that come onto the skin and are usually easily washed off. Good hand washing with liquid soap and water removes 90% of the infectious material you can carry and is generally acceptable. However, when producing food and working in hospitals, more demands are made, and disinfectants are often used to remove even more bacteria from the skin. Good hand washing reduces the risk of catching various infections, such as influenza, diarrhoea, and eye infections.

Graphic instructions for hand washing

• Hand washing - hand hygiene