As winter approaches, so does the dreaded influenza virus. Maintaining good hand hygiene becomes even more critical, especially when caring for our vulnerable senior population. Proper hand hygiene during flu season is a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of the virus and other illnesses. Let’s explore easy ways to maintain properly sanitized hands throughout the flu season.
The Importance of Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene plays a pivotal role in battling the flu virus. It's not just about washing your hands, but doing it right and doing it often. Seniors, due to a weakened immune system, are especially susceptible to flu and its complications. Hence, maintaining stringent hand hygiene can be a lifesaver.
Best Practices for Hand Hygiene
There are several steps seniors and their caregivers can take to improve overall hand hygiene during flu season.
1. Ensure Soaps are Available at Every Sink
Soaps are your first line of defense against germs. Regularly washing hands with soap can destroy the flu virus. Ensure there's soap available at every sink in your home, including the bathrooms and kitchen. Easy access can encourage everyone in the house to wash their hands, thus reducing the risk of virus spread.
2. Keep Hand Wipes and Hand Sanitizer in the Car
During outings, the risk of coming into contact with germs increases. Keeping the car stocked with hand wipes and hand sanitizer is a wise move. After touching surfaces like shopping carts or door handles, these can help clean hands until you can wash them properly. Choose sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol and use wipes that are gentle on the skin.
3. Identify and Clean Germ Hotspots in the Home
Not all surfaces in the home are created equal in terms of harboring germs. High-touch items like door handles, TV remotes, kitchen counters, and bathroom fixtures can be germ hotspots. These should be cleaned daily with a household disinfectant to prevent germ buildup.
Additional Tips for Hand Hygiene During Flu Season
Consistency and technique are essential in hand hygiene. The ideal handwashing technique involves wetting hands with clean, running water, applying soap, and scrubbing all surfaces of the hands for at least 20 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and dry using a clean towel. As a general rule, use soap and water whenever available, especially when hands are visibly dirty. However, if they're not available, hand sanitizers can be a quick and effective solution.
Senior Helpers Exton Can Help
The importance of hand hygiene during flu season, especially for seniors, cannot be overstated. Taking proactive steps to ensure a clean and safe environment can make a difference in reducing the risk of infections and the spread of the virus.
If you live in the West Chester, Kennett Square, Exton, Downington, and Chester County areas and need assistance in maintaining a clean and safe environment for seniors, do not hesitate to contact Senior Helpers Exton. We are here to provide you and your beloved seniors with the compassionate care they deserve in their golden years.