Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are everywhere and constantly spread through our hands. Every touch of a doorknob, keyboard, smartphone, bed rail, or faucet can transmit germs to the next person. In healthcare settings, this transmission poses a significant risk. Therefore, proper hand hygiene remains the simplest and most effective measure to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
To make this visible, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende has developed a video that follows how germs spread unnoticed when hand hygiene is not practiced. This relatable scenario clearly illustrates how quickly one touch can lead to a chain of infections.
Striking facts about hand hygiene: only 30% of people wash their hands after using the toilet. Annually, approximately 100,000 people in Belgium contract a hospital infection, while up to 55% of these infections can be prevented by good hand hygiene. Smartwatches and other wristbands can become breeding grounds for germs as bacteria easily adhere to porous and static surfaces. Hand alcohol is not effective on visibly soiled hands; they must first be washed with soap and water. Gloves should not be disinfected, as this reduces their protective effect.
Hand hygiene may seem like a small action, but its impact is enormous. By washing or disinfecting hands at the right moments, we protect not only ourselves but also patients, colleagues, and visitors. Every correct hand hygiene practice interrupts the chain of transmission and reduces the risk of infections, collectively making healthcare safer.
Watch the video to discover how quickly germs spread when hand hygiene is neglected and why a small action can make a world of difference.
