TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte (PIA) – – Emphasis is given frequently and on the right manner of handwashing to reduce the risk of contracting deadly disease.
Department of Health (DOH) hospital, Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) spreads this consciousness in line with the thrust of saving the public from emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.
Guesting at Sayron Ta! Pakigsayod radio program aired over DXNR Radio 911, Infection Prevention and Control Unit Nurse V, Christine Lourdes T. Evalaroza of DRMC said the proper handwashing and sanitizing hands has been found to reduce diarrhea diseases by 30 percent, and reduce acute respiratory infection up to 20 percent.
Hand washing also plays a vital role in reducing the transmission of outbreak-related pathogens such as cholera, Ebola, SARS, hepatitis, COVID-19, and monkeypox.
Among other benefits, Evalaroza also associated handwashing to protect against healthcare-associated infections and contribute to reducing the spread of anti-microbial resistance. It is also expected to result in the reduction of school absenteeism especially among children as well as “improve well-being, dignity, and productivity” especially those in the workplace.
Evalaroza made it clear that there is no particular brand of soap recommended for handwashing and said that even a detergent bar can effectively kill bacteria and viruses as long as one should thoroughly lather the hands.
To properly clean the hands when washing, she recommended to lather hands with soap and water then rub hands palm to palm, rub the back of each hand, rub in between fingers, scratch the fingernails over the palm, rub thumb and nails, and squeeze and rub all back of the fingers before washing the hands with clean water.
She also considered it important to dry the hands after handwashing.
Evalaroza deemed it necessary to sanitize and or handwash before preparing meals and before eating meals, after cleaning wounds and after taking care of patients; before and after wearing contact lenses; after tending to wastes and trashes, and after gardening; after using the comfort room; after handshakes.
When hands are soiled or obviously dirty, she recommended a must to thoroughly wash hands and not rely on sanitizers or alcohol.
“I want to remind everyone that handwashing is a small action that has a big impact. By simply washing our hands regularly and properly, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from illnesses,” she said. (PIA11/JMDA)
