How Can You Prevent Infection?

Here are some steps you can take

Handwashing is the single most important defense against the spread of germs and infections. If you're receiving care in the hospital, we encourage you to partner with the caregivers who have direct contact with you. Ask them whether they have washed or sanitized their hands. At Lehigh Valley Health Network, you'll find waterless hand sanitizer dispensers at the entrance of every patient room for use by you, your family members, your visitors and your caregivers.

Why handwashing is important

• It keeps you from transferring germs to other areas of your body and to other patients and family members
• It's a professional responsibility of all health care workers

When you should wash your hands

• If you're visiting someone in the hospital, before and after each visit
• After every trip to the bathroom
• After sneezing or blowing your nose
• Before eating, drinking, handling or serving food

How to be sure your hands are clean

• Use plenty of soap to scrub your hands, back of hands, palms (inside hands) between fingers and under fingernails for at least 20 seconds
• Rinse hands completely and dry with a clean towel
• Use waterless hand sanitizers if your hands are not visibly soiled
• When teaching your children, encourage them to hum a song or recite the alphabet while washing their hands to remind them how long to wash

At Lehigh Valley Health Network, your health is in our hands. You should expect those hands to be clean.

This page last updated 5/5/09 05:33 PM