OPINION
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Pardon moi if I'm being forward, but do you know how to wash your hands properly?
I'll never forget the time I went to the loo at my local bowlo and as I stood washing my hands, another woman walked out of a stall and straight past the basins.
She made a beeline for the bar where the club used to supply trays of nibblies and grabbed a couple of handfuls of food. My tummy lurched.
I complained to a couple of directors and the nibblies were removed permanently.
On World Hand Hygiene Day this Sunday, May 5, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care urges everyone to practise good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of harmful germs.
Practising good hand hygiene remains as important as ever, says the Commission's senior medical advisor Professor Peter Collignon.
"Some people may have become complacent with how often and how well they wash their hands, by not using enough soap and water, doing it too quickly or not hand washing at all," he said.
"World Hand Hygiene Day reminds us that we need to remain diligent about washing our hands properly.
"Hand washing should matter to all of us because it is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of germs and disease - particularly to reduce infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, also known as golden staph.
"Hand hygiene also decreases the risk of infection for us in everyday life in the community because it stops the spread of other bacteria that get onto our hands. There are many germs that can cause serious infections that you can pass on to those around you."
Good hand hygiene also helps reduce the spread of germs that cause gastroenteritis and contributes to reducing the risk of respiratory infections such as influenza and coronavirus.
Professor Collignon said the vigilance of some Aussies around hand hygiene may have waned since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We all have the power to protect ourselves, our loved ones, people we care for, those around us and those who are vulnerable. Hand hygiene keeps the germs at bay - why wouldn't you make the effort?"
- Therese Murray is features editor of The Senior, Australia's leading newspaper for over-55s. Read it online: thesenior.com.au
The five tips for hand hygiene
"Hand hygiene matters all the time - especially to protect people who are sick or feeling unwell and vulnerable people in our communities - and when we travel on planes or public transport, or gather with large groups of people," Professor Collignon said.
What: Soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub are both effective ways to clean your hands.
Where: It is vital to wash your hands wherever you are, but it may be easier to use hand sanitisers when out and about. Always before eating/drinking, in hospital settings and when travelling.
When: If your hands are visibly dirty or contaminated or soiled with blood or other body fluids, use soap and water. Always wash your hands (or use alcohol hand rubs) before eating or drinking.
How: Wash your hands with cold or warm water. Water that's too hot can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin irritation or infection. Or use alcohol hand hygiene products.
Why: You can't see germs on your hands after contact with other people, surfaces and coughs and sneezes. So wash your hands even when they are visibly clean, and if you can't access water and a sink, use an alcohol-based handrub to reduce the risk of spreading infection.