Tallaght University Hospital marks World Hand Hygiene Day
A TALLAGHT University Hospital consultant has shared some tips as the World Health Organisation’s Hand Hygiene Day is marked on May 5.
Dr Susanna Frost is a Consultant Microbiologist and Clinical Lead for Infection Prevention and Control at the local hospital.
Speaking on Hand Hygiene Day, Dr Frost said: “We know that since the COVID-19 pandemic a lot of people are very aware of the importance of hand hygiene and are cleaning their hands regularly.
“Many viruses and bugs can’t get through your skin but if the bug is on your hand when you put your hand to your eye, mouth or nose you can catch infection.
“This is why hand hygiene plays an important part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 infection, as well as preventing many other infections that are still out there.”
She added: “Department of Health research undertaken throughout the pandemic shows that 96% of people washed their hands more often as a result of COVID-19.
“Importantly, 90% of people say that they will continue to clean their hands frequently.
“However, we also know that people tend to go back to their old habits when a crisis starts to get better, so it is vitally important that we all understand that hand hygiene is not just for COVID-19 it’s for life.
“I would encourage any shops, education facilities, hospitality services to keep up the good work in relation to hand hygiene.
“Having sanitiser and access to hand washing facilities will make it easier for staff, students and customers to maintain their good hand hygiene habits.”
According to Dr Frost, areas to look out for include technology, such as computers, phones and mobiles, and bathrooms, mainly handles, taps and air dryers.
Dr Frost said that research has shown that a computer mouse has an average of 260 bacteria per centimetre squared, a keyboard has 511 and the mouthpiece of a telephone has 3,895.
Tips for stopping infections at home
-If you were in contact with someone who has COVID-19, a fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing)
-Before and after visiting someone in a hospital or residential setting
-When you have been in contact with a person or an animal with an infection
-When you get back to your home from being out and about or at work, especially if your work involves a lot of contact with people or animals
-Before starting to prepare or handle food
-After touching raw meat including poultry
-Before eating food
-After using the toilet and after changing nappies
-Before and after being in a crowd (especially an indoor crowd)
-After touching animals or animal waste
More advice and tip on the hand hygiene section of the HSE’s website
