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Infection Prevention

Hand hygiene is the cleansing of hands with an alcohol-based foam, gel, or soap and water.

Hand hygiene is the # 1 way to reduce infections caused by our hands.

Wet hands with warm running water.
Apply a small amount of hand soap.
Rub hands together vigorously for at least 15 seconds covering all areas of the hands –the wrists, palms, backs and thumbs, between each finger, out to each finger tip, the cuticles and under the nail beds.
Rinse well under warm running water.
Dry hands thoroughly with paper towels.
Turn off the faucet with a paper towel to avoid recontamination.
Use a paper towel to exit through the door.

Apply alcohol foam to the palm of one hand, rub hands together, covering all surfaces, until dry
Hands MUST be dry and should NOT be visibly soiled or contaminated.

Alcohol foam or gel is more effective than soap and water, except when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated.

Note: Alcohol foam or gel must NOT be used when caring for a patient with C. difficile. Wash hands with soap and water instead.

For more information, please see the CDC handwashing guidelines: CDC Handwashing Guidelines

Replace empty foam canisters upon discovery:

For patient care areas - find replacements in the unit supply room.;
For public areas - report empty canisters to Environmental Services Department by calling 601-984-2685.

Hand hygiene must be performed by ALL employees, volunteers and affiliated students:

Upon entry and exit of a patient room or care area, even when not touching the patient.
Before applying gloves and after removal of gloves.
After using the restroom.

Always remind others to perform hand hygiene.

Germs go into the air when you cough or sneeze.
Coughing or sneezing into your HANDS spreads germs onto everything you touch.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw the tissue into the trash. Perform HAND hygiene.
If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your HAND.