Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we all know what is meant by "risk groups". People who, for example because of their age, are more likely to become seriously ill from a virus. This group needs extra protection, so good hand hygiene is a priority in healthcare.

A weaker immune system

Healthcare personnel have known this for a long time, even before Covid they were aware of certain viruses that can be dangerous for the elderly, such as the norovirus. The immune system of older people is weaker, but germs can also endanger the health of people with underlying conditions.

Viruses spread quickly in healthcare institutions, among others, because many people live together and keeping a distance is not always possible. In addition, pathogens survive for several days on surfaces such as doorknobs or armrests and remain contagious.

Hand hygiene in healthcare:
don't forget to dry off

Proper hand washing and drying plays an important role in breaking chains of infection. Wet hands - as opposed to dry hands - can transmit up to 1,000 times more bacteria. Yet many people do not dry their hands properly or not at all. The positive effect of washing hands is therefore lost in whole or in part.