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Hand Hygiene and Infection Control

Effective handwashing and disinfection methods to prevent infections transmitted by hands.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Hand Hygiene and Infection Control?

Hand hygiene is the most fundamental method of breaking the transmission chain by removing bacteria, viruses, and fungi that pass to the hands from surfaces and people. The WHO's 'My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene' guideline has been shown to reduce hospital infections by 30-40%.

Effective handwashing should be performed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (including wrists, between fingers, and under nails). Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are an effective alternative when soap and water are unavailable; soap and water are preferred when hands appear dirty since alcohol-based sanitizers are insufficient against Clostridium difficile spores.

At the population level, hand hygiene significantly reduces the spread of many common diseases such as the common cold, flu, diarrhea, and hepatitis A. Handwashing education provided to schoolchildren markedly decreases school absenteeism.

Symptoms

Hand hygiene is a preventive measure with no symptoms
Recurrent gastrointestinal infections from inadequate handwashing
Increased frequency of respiratory tract infections
Infections through skin breaks
Eye infections (conjunctivitis from dirty hand contact)
Foodborne gastroenteritis episodes
Healthcare-associated infections (in hospital setting)

Risk Factors

Lack of handwashing habit
High surface contact in crowded and public environments
Healthcare workers (patient contact)
Failure to follow hygiene rules in food preparation
Young children (frequent surface and mouth contact)
Not washing hands after toilet use
Contact with shared items and surfaces

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • There is no personal reason to consult a doctor for hand hygiene itself
  • To investigate the cause of recurrent gastroenteritis or respiratory tract infections
  • For hand hygiene counseling for immunocompromised individuals you care for
  • Healthcare worker training programs and infection control teams
  • For administrators wishing to develop institutional infection control policies

Treatment Methods

01
20-second handwashing with soap and water (most effective mechanical cleaning)
02
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (60-95% alcohol, when soap-water is unavailable)
03
Cleaning under nails and the habit of removing jewelry
04
Drying with single-use paper towels
05
Mandatory washing before-after meals, after toilet use, before-after patient care
06
Gamified handwashing education for children

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

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Flu (Influenza)

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Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

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COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

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Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

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Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

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Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

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Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

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Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

HIV/AIDS Information

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HIV is a virus that targets the immune system; if untreated, it progresses to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy, long lives.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.