Case in point: there's an outbreak of a nasty bacterial infection in a Canadian hospital. According to the CDC, the bacteria, clostridium difficile, causes "diarrhea, fever, nausea," and may occasionally lead to sepsis and, rarely, to death. Clostridium can spread easily if those in an environment with the bacteria do not wash their hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after using the bathroom. Perhaps the staff of the hospital in question should review the WHO or CDC guidelines for handwashing. Some key points:
- Time is critical. Washing your hands should take no less than 20 seconds. The WHO estimates the whole process, from turning on the tap to turning it off, should take no more than 60 seconds.
- Be thorough. Both guides put emphasis on washing the entirety of both hands. The places most people miss? The back of the hand and in between the fingers. The WHO guide provides step-by-step instructions that cover the entire hand.
- No hot water. You should wash your hands with warm or lukewarm water. This is more of an issue of comfort than anything else. Handwashing with hot water for 20-30 seconds would be rather difficult. Furthermore, there is no evidence to suggest that using hot water is more effective than cold; time and thoroughness in washing are the major factors.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitzer instead of washing. Obviously, if your hands are soiled, you should wash them. But if the goal is just to kill germs, alcohol-based hand sanitizer does the trick.
