Australian Health Management Plan for Pandemic Influenza

B1. Hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is crucial to reducing the transmission of infectious agents. Hand hygiene includes washing hands with soap and water or cleaning hands with alcohol-based products (gels, rinses, foams) that can be used without water.

• If your hands are visibly dirty with respiratory secretions (phlegm, spit), you need to wash them with soap (plain or antimicrobial) and water. Wash with soap and warm water, scrubbing your wrists, palms, fingers and nails for 15–20 seconds. Rinse, and dry with a clean, dry towel or paper towel.
• If there is no visible dirt, you might prefer alcohol-based products with an emollient. They dry the skin less and can be more convenient.
• Always wash and dry your hands after contact with other people, and before and after removing a mask or gloves, and before touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
• In general, try to keep your hands away from your face.

prev page|TOC|next page

This information is current for 03 September, 2010
This information was issued on 05 December, 2008