Healthcare workers are on the frontlines of all infections and diseases. From EMTs to nurses to physicians, their risk of contracting the coronavirus is higher than the average person. Before the outbreak of COVID-19, a surprising number of healthcare workers were discovered to wash their hands less than half the number of times that they should. This lack of cleanliness has resulted in various infections passed to about 1 in 25 patients per day. 

As a healthcare worker, having better hygiene habits is not only better for you, but for the patients that you treat. With the existence of the novel coronavirus, it is imperative to re-evaluate your current hygiene habits to protect yourself and others from the spread of disease. 

Hand Washing Habits

The CDC recommends that healthcare workers, especially nurses, should wash their hands roughly 100 times per 12-hour shift. That may sound excessive, but the risk of transmission of COVID-19 from hard surfaces to patients makes it necessary. The number of patients you see and the type of care provided may cause you to increase that number. The CDC says, “Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.” 

The main way viruses like COVID-19 and the flu are transmitted are through touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. In the case of a nurse, it could be touching a contaminated surface and then touching your patient, therefore transmitting the virus. 

Hand Sanitizer Use

If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, which is the recommended method of preventing disease, you need to have an alcohol-based hand sanitizer on you. The CDC recommends to, “use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.” Even though hand sanitizer doesn’t kill all germs, such as the bacteria C. difficile, it is better than the alternative of no measures taken. 

Healthcare providers should teach their patients how to properly wash their hands and prevent sickness. Most people don’t wash their hands correctly and may be afraid to ask. Often people don’t wash their hands long enough or thoroughly enough to kill all germs. And hand sanitizer should be rubbed into hands until it is completely dry or it is less effective. 

Preventing Diseases At Work

At any workplace, it is essential to keep the building as germ-free and virus-free as possible. Although this is much more difficult in a hospital, nursing home, or clinical setting. However, you can encourage your co-workers or employees to take extra precautions. Here are some ways to encourage cleanliness and prevent the spread of disease at your workplace. 

• Post Hand Washing Memos

A great way to ensure good hygiene around the workplace is to post memos for your employees or coworkers, including proper handwashing techniques around kitchens, break rooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms. These memos should include how often you and your coworkers should wash your hands and information for teaching patients about hygiene. You should also have the instructions to be in several languages so everyone can follow handwashing procedures. 

• Staying Home When You’re Sick

There are so many workers, particularly healthcare workers, that are pressured to go to work when sick. However, with the contagious spread of COVID-19, it’s vital for people with symptoms of the virus to stay home to avoid infecting patients. If you are sick, you should stay home and avoid all public transportation and public areas. It is strongly recommended to stay away from other people and animals in your home while recovering. 

The CDC says, “As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.” If you are feeling symptoms or have been diagnosed, self-quarantining is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus to others. 

•  Wall-Mounted Hand Sanitizer Dispensers

Having wall-mounted hand sanitizer is important to keep everyone healthy and prevent the spread of disease and infection. Otherwise, all workers would be touching the handle of the same bottle making it less hygienic. Also, having a wall-mounted hand sanitizer is convenient for busy workers who may not have time to wash their hands. 

When you’re responsible for taking care of others, you must re-evaluate your hygiene habits, especially during a time like this. Simple measures like washing your hands more often can drastically reduce the spread of disease. Most of these measures are considered common sense and if we all take precautions, we will lessen the long-term effects of COVID-19.