Clean Hands, Healthy Lives

This blog explores about Clean Hands, Healthy Lives: The Power of Hand Hygiene in Fighting Viruses. It is written by Dr. Madhusudhan N.C., a renowned Hand, Wrist, and Microvascular Surgeon.

“Hand Hygiene and Infection Prevention: Emphasizing the Importance of Hand Hygiene in Preventing the Spread of Viruses”.

Spread of Viruses”
Amid the recent updates from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare concerning the current state of respiratory illnesses and Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in India, the emphasis on hand hygiene as a pivotal preventive measure remains paramount. With the Union Health Secretary, Ms. Punya Salila Srivastava, reinforcing that there is no unusual rise in Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) cases, the advisory to strengthen public awareness on simple yet effective preventive strategies is timely.

Hand hygiene stands as a cornerstone in the fight against respiratory infections like HMPV. The Health Ministry has advised states to enhance Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) efforts, promoting practices such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, avoiding touching the face with unwashed hands, maintaining distance from symptomatic individuals, and covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

Proper hand washing techniques involve scrubbing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, ensuring the cleaning of all hand surfaces, including between the fingers and under the nails, followed by thorough rinsing. In situations where soap and water are not readily available, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content is recommended.
As we enter the peak season for respiratory illnesses, reiterating these simple yet vital hygiene practices can significantly reduce the transmission of HMPV and similar viruses, safeguarding public health during the winter months.