Page 387 - CHHA Binder 2.3.20

4/11/2019

Purpose

 To inactivate and suppress growth of microorganisms
to prevent cross contamination.

 Teaching people about hand washing helps them and
their communities stay healthy.

Hand washing in the community reduces:
 the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by
31%
 diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune
systems by 58%
 respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general
population by 16-21%

Centers for Disease Control http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html
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Hand Hygiene

 Products should be provided via VNSNY
 Alcohol-based hand rubs:
• may be used if hands are not visible soiled in most
clinical situations.
• must contain at least 60% ethanol or isopropanol.

* AVOID using patient’s soap or towels.

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