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Proper Hand Hygiene
Proper Hand HygienePage 1 of 2NarratorEvery year in the United States, more people die from hospital-acquired infections than from breastcancer, car accidents and AIDS combined. So, it’s important to know how to protect yourself while in thehospital.Dr. Michael BellHands are the main way that we move bacteria from one place to another. And that’s why hand washingis so important. If we do a good job of washing our hands, we can break the chain of transmission. Wecan stop carrying bacteria from one place to the next.NarratorWhen people come into a hospital room they should always wash their hands.Dr. William SchaffnerWell, hand washing and hand sanitation both prevent infections. The hand washing, actually the soapand the water literally pick up the bacteria and then wash them down the drain. The hand sanitizer whichhas alcohol in it, kills the bacteria that are on the hand.NarratorMost important, all visitors and health care professionals must wash or sanitize their hands before andafter they enter your room. If you don’t see them do it, ask them to.Vicki Brinsko, RNPatients should absolutely speak up and say, “You know, can you just wash your hands before you touchme?” That’s very, very important. And don’t be shy about it, because I think a lot of people are shy aboutit.NarratorYou can lower your risk of contracting a deadly infection. So speak up and make sure you and everyonethat enters your room practices proper hand hygiene.© The Wellness NetworkPage 2 of 2
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Watch this video to learn how to properly wash your hands to fight off an infection.
Watch this video to learn how personal protective equipment can protect you from infections.
This video will show how personal protective equipment can help protect against infection while visiting others in the hospital.
Watch this video to understand the difference between isolation and quarantine if you're exposed to COVID-19.
