As we enter cold and flu season, the importance of hand hygiene cannot be overstated.
Thomas R. Talbot, M.D., M.P.H.
President, The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)
Respiratory illnesses surge during the winter months, but a simple, powerful act — washing our hands — in conjunction with other important actions like staying home when ill, masking if you have respiratory symptoms, and making sure you are up-to-date with respiratory virus vaccinations can significantly reduce the spread of these viruses.
Although it may seem basic, hand hygiene is one of the most straightforward and effective measures we can take to protect ourselves and others from contagious infectious diseases. As president of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), I want to emphasize the crucial role of hand hygiene in keeping you and your loved ones healthy throughout the year.
The role of hand hygiene
Respiratory viruses like the flu and the common cold are primarily transmitted through droplets from coughs, sneezes, or talking. These droplets can land on surfaces where the virus survives for hours, even days. While not the main route of the spread of these viruses, when we touch these surfaces and then our face, these germs can enter our body. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds effectively removes these viruses, while alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative when soap and water are unavailable.
In healthcare settings, hand hygiene is even more critical, as detailed in the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Hand Hygiene Compendium, a primary guideline of evidence-based infection prevention strategies in healthcare. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a significant threat to patient safety, and proper hand hygiene is essential in preventing these infections. SHEA provides clear guidelines for healthcare professionals, emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene before and after patient contact and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. It’s also important for patients to be their own advocates by reminding healthcare providers to wash their hands, ensuring that their care is as safe as possible.
Spreading awareness
Public awareness of hand hygiene remains a challenge. As a community of healthcare epidemiologists, SHEA advocates for increased public education, particularly during cold and flu season. We must all remember to wash our hands before eating, after using the restroom, after coughing or sneezing, and after touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Additionally, covering one’s mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, getting vaccinated, staying home when ill, ensuring adequate ventilation indoors, and masking can help reduce virus spread.
Institutions and employers also play a crucial role. By providing hand hygiene stations, regularly cleaning surfaces, and encouraging employees to get vaccinated and to stay home when ill, they help prevent the spread of illness. Schools, workplaces, and public facilities should implement hand hygiene education programs as part of comprehensive infection prevention efforts to ensure everyone is informed and engaged in these preventive measures.
Hand hygiene is not just a personal responsibility but a public health imperative. Let’s commit to making hand hygiene a habit, not just during cold and flu season but year-round. After all, clean hands save lives.
