December 2-8, 2007 is National Hand Washing Awareness Week
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing is the single most important way of preventing the spread of infection.
What is one of the best ways to help stay well this cold and flu season?
The CDC estimates that 36,000 people die from the flu or flu-like illness, 5,000 people die from food borne illness each year, and between 78,000 and 90,000 patients die each year from Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI), all of which may be directly linked to poor hand washing. Cold or flu viruses can easily spread by simply rubbing your eyes or nose while carrying the virus on your hands.
There are many critical times to wash your hands. A few examples are before eating, after using the toilet, during food preparation, after handling animals, after changing diapers, and leaving the hospital or physician's office. For more information visit Henry the Hand Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.henrythehand.com and www.cdc.gov.
What is the most effective way to wash my hands?
The most effective method of hand washing is:
- Wet your hands in running water
- Lather your hands and wrists with soap for 20 seconds to loosen skin oils and deposits
- Rinse hands in running water with your hands pointing downward, which allows germs to run off your hands
- Dry your hands with a clean cloth or paper towel
- Apply hand lotion if your hands become dry
How well do waterless hand washing agents work?
Washing your hands with soap and water is the ideal option. However, waterless hand washing agents containing at least 60 percent alcohol can be very effective against viruses and other germs. For best results, cover your wrists, hands, fingertips, and nails completely with the agent for at least 15 seconds and rub your hands until dry. For best results, do not use a towel to dry hands.
Even though it is later in the year, would it still be beneficial to get a flu shot?
The flu season usually peaks in February, but it can peak any time from November through May.
As a result, getting the vaccine in December or even later can still be beneficial.
VNA's annual “Shoo the Flu” campaign provides low-cost flu and pneumonia vaccinations to Indian River and Brevard County residents. Immunization clinics are offered at public locations including places of worship, civic organizations, social clubs and homeowners' associations through early January. For the public, the flu vaccine costs $28 per person and the pneumonia vaccine is $45 per person. If you present a Medicare or Health First Medicare HMO card at the time of immunization, there is no out-of-pocket expense and we will bill Medicare on your behalf. If you have questions, please contact Cathy Dusseau, VNA’s Flu Shot Coordinator, at 772.567.5551 ext. 5146 or cdusseau@vnatc.com.
