Hand washing
Hand washing
Hand washing (pronounced: /hænd wɒʃɪŋ/), also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning one's hands to remove soil, dirt, and microorganisms. The process is often performed with soap and water, but can also be done with hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Etymology
The term "hand washing" comes from the Old English hand and wæscan, which mean "hand" and "to wash" respectively. The term "hand hygiene" is derived from the Greek hygieinos which means "healthy, sound".
Process
Hand washing is typically performed by applying soap to the hands and rubbing them together to create a lather. The hands are then rinsed with water and dried. The process should take at least 20 seconds to be effective.
Importance
Hand washing is considered one of the most important measures to prevent the spread of diseases, including the common cold, flu, and COVID-19. It is particularly important in healthcare settings, where proper hand hygiene can prevent hospital-acquired infections.
Related terms
- Hand sanitizer: A liquid, gel, or foam used to decrease infectious agents on the hands when soap and water are not available.
- Soap: A substance used with water for washing and cleaning, made of a compound of natural oils or fats with sodium hydroxide or another strong alkali.
- Water: A colorless, transparent, odorless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain and is the basis of the fluids of living organisms.
- Disease: A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location.
- Healthcare: The organized provision of medical care to individuals or a community.
- Hospital-acquired infection: Infections that patients get while receiving treatment for medical or surgical conditions, and many are preventable.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hand washing
- Wikipedia's article - Hand washing
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