The Chain of Cross Contamination
Joe has Swine Flu H1N1 and is contagious but his symptoms have not yet started. He covers a sneeze with his hand (X) while steering (X) his car up to the valet station of the building where he has an eye appointment. He then uses the same hand to put the car in park (X), hand his keys to the valet (X), open the door to the building (X), push the elevator buttons (X), and open the door to his eye doctor’s office (X). Joe picks up a clipboard (X), uses the receptionist’s pen to sign in (X), gives her his debit card for payment (X), then uses her pen again to sign the receipt (X). He takes a seat (X) while waiting, rubs his itchy nose with his fingers (X), checks his cell phone for messages (X), and looks at a magazine (X). Joe shakes the doctor’s hand (X), and places both hands on the armrests of the exam chair (X) as he settles in. The eye doctor uses one gloved hand to hold Joe’s eyelids open (X) while he uses the other to squeeze in drops. He plays with the bottle while they chat (X), then uses his gloved hand to open a drawer (X) and puts the bottle away (X). Joe wipes his eyes with a tissue (X) and places the tissue on the counter (X). The doctor uses an ungloved hand to throw away the used tissue (X) after Joe leaves. He greets the next patient with a firm handshake (X).
While every (X) does not guarantee the spread of Swine Flu H1N1, it is an opportunity for disease to be spread. Proper handwashing reduces the risk of reacquiring the same germs you tried to wash off, or of acquiring somebody else’s germs. In the absence of soap and water or in addition to handwashing, properly used alcohol-based rinseless hand sanitizers are an effective way to break the chain of cross contamination.
Proper Handwashing Technique
If you are using a public bathroom and it has air dryers, broken soap dispensers, or push faucets then use alcohol based hand sanitizer.
1. In a public bathroom, lower the paper towels before you turn on the water.
2. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap. Overly hot water and harsh soaps can damage the skin and interfere with its natural protective properties.
3. Scrub with soap and water for 15-20 seconds, lathering between fingers and under fingernails. 4. Rinse hands well – you are rinsing off the germs the washing loosened but did not kill.
5. Leave the water running, dry hands with a paper towel and then use the same paper towel to turn off the faucet and open public bathroom doors. If there is not a trash can by the door then throw your used paper towel on the floor, try not to handle it too much.
Use of Rinseless Hand Sanitizers to Prevent the Spread of H1N1 Swine Flu
Alcohol-based hand gels or foams are the most effective of the rinseless hand cleaning products when it comes to killing viruses as well as bacteria.
1. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an acceptable substitute for soap and water as long as you do not see dirt or bodily fluids on your hands.
2. Amount needed varies with each brand, but if it takes less than 10-15 seconds for your hands to dry you did not use enough.
3. Rub hands vigorously together until dry.
4. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer does not continue to kill germs after it has dried.
5. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is safe for children, however they should be supervised to make sure they do not try to eat it.
6. Avoid alcohol free hand sanitizers. They are less effective, and research has shown that bacteria can actually grow in the residue that remains on your skin!
Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5116a1.htm
Guidelines for Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.
http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/
Clean Hands Save Lives, CDC printable poster
You might also enjoy:
Swine Flu H1N1 Fast Facts Part 1: Spread and Prevention
Swine Flu H1N1 Fast Facts Part 2: Symptoms and Treatment
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