WHAT IS HAND HYGIENE?
Hand hygiene is defined as hand washing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
WHY IS HAND HYGIENE IMPORTANT?
One of the best ways that you can help to keep your baby safe from infection is by washing your hands. The immune system—which works to fight diseases caused by germs (from viruses & bacteria)—does not work well in babies compared to older children and adults. As a result, babies (especially preemies) can get very sick. This is because they have very underdeveloped immune systems and have a harder time fighting germs.
While hand washing is always the best way to prevent the spread of disease, it is even more important during cold and flu season (October-May). Most viruses are spread by direct contact and can cause serious illness in NICU babies.
WHEN SHOULD I WASH MY HANDS?
Wash your hands with soap and water:
If they are visibly soiled (e.g. if you can see dirt)
After touching your baby’s bodily fluids (saliva, vomit, etc.)
After changing your baby’s diaper
After using the restroom
After touching hospital surfaces (door knobs, bedside tables, isolettes, etc.)
Before and after pumping
BEFORE you touch your baby!
HOW DO I CLEAN MY HANDS?
It is SO important that all parents, family members, visitors, staff—EVERYONE who comes in contact with your baby washes their hands correctly by following these steps:
Roll your sleeves up past your elbows. They will remain above your elbows during your entire visit & will not be rolled down until you leave the NICU.
Remove all watches, rings, and jewelry. These items contain germs, dirt, and bacteria that cannot be killed with soap and water. They pose a major threat of potentially getting your baby sick.
Wet your hands and forearms with warm water.
Apply a generous amount of soap on your hands.
Rub your hands together until the soap forms a lather, and then rub it all over your hands and up to your elbows.
Scrub in between your fingers, under your nails, and all the way around your hands and forearms for at least one full minute.
Rinse your hands well under running water.
Dry using a paper towel.
Remember to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer intermittently throughout the day and rewash whenever necessary!