Tip Sheets and Story Ideas

October 12, 2005

Contacts: Susan Nielsen, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing News Bureau, 509/324-7372, 509/991-9151 (cell), susann@wsu.edu Jillian Morton, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing intern, 509/324-7218,
icncommunications@wsu.edu

Helpful Hints for Hand Washing

As we approach the cold and flu season, it is important to remember to wash our hands often. This year it may be especially important as the flu season approaches. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 5 percent to 20 percent of the population will get the flu this year, with more than 200,000 flu related hospitalizations, and 36,000 deaths (www.cdc.gov/flu).

Margaret Bruya, associate dean for academic health services, professor and co-founder of People's Clinic at the Washington State University Intercollegiate College of Nursing explains that flu tend to start with cold-like symptoms, such as a sore throat and runny nose. However, fever, chills, muscle aches and pains, severe headache, and weakness quickly set in.

The best safeguard against the flu is a flu shot, but hand washing can also help prevent becoming infected. Bruya advises using an antibacterial liquid soap and scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds.

Many people think viruses such as the cold or influenza are spread through airborne transmission, such as sneezing. However, more commonly, the germs that cause illnesses are spread by hands. When harmful bacteria are on the hands and then come into contact with mouths, noses, and eyes, the bacteria spread to these mucous membranes, which allows for the cold and flu viruses to infect us.

Here are a few tips on when and how to wash your hands to ensure a more healthy cold and flu season.

Food etiquette—Washing your hands both before and after you handle food is of the utmost importance in preventing the spread of disease. When cooking with raw food, be sure to wipe down all cooking surfaces and instruments used in the food preparation process. When done cooking, seal all raw food in individual containers to limit the spread of bacteria. Also, always wash hands before eating, or touching serving and eating utensils.

Public Restrooms—According to a recent study from the American Society for Microbiology (www.washup.org) and The Soap and Detergent Association (www.cleaning101.com), 90 percent of women and 75 percent of men wash their hands after using a public restroom. That means that the 10-25 percent of people who do not wash their hands are spreading the bacteria that cause illness.

Always wash your hands after using a public restroom, and be sure to use warm water, plenty of soap, and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remove jewelry to cleanse bacteria which may lie beneath rings, etc. Another tip for minimizing the spread of germs is to use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and to open the door. Toss the used paper towel in a waste basket after leaving the restroom.

Pets—One source of bacteria and germs that many people forget is their beloved pets. According to the study done by the ASM and SDA, only 42 percent of people wash their hands after petting or handling a cat or dog, or any other animal. Wash hands after cleaning up after pets, such as after changing a cat’s litter box or after clean up while walking the dog. As with any other situation, use warm water and an antibacterial soap. Scrub under fingernails and jewelry, and dry with a clean towel.

In any situation, if you find yourself away from water or a sink, use disposable towelettes or antibacterial gel to keep hands clean. Simply rinsing hands with only water is not enough to kill bacteria or prevent it from spreading

Established in 1968, the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing is fully-accredited by the commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The college is the nation's oldest and most comprehensive nursing education consortium and is the largest college of nursing in the Northwest. Celebrating 37 years of world-class nursing education, the college offers baccalaureate, graduate and professional development course work to nursing students enrolled through its four consortium partners: Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, WSU and Whitworth College. Each year the college educates more than 800 graduate and upper-division undergraduate students and prepares more entry-level nurses than any other Washington state educational institution. For more information about the College of Nursing, visit its Web site at nursing.wsu.edu

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