World Hand Hygiene Day May 5th 2010

5 May 2010

Today the World Health Organisation (WHO) is promoting World Hand Hygiene Day. While the SAVE LIVES: Clean Your Hands campaign invites health-care workers, facilities and organisations throughout the world to actively promote and practise improved hand hygiene to reduce health care-associated infections, the message is important for all of us.

Commonly people think that germs are spread through the air, the fact is that germs are most easily spread through hand contact. One of the best ways to stop the spread of germs is to wash your hands thoroughly.

Last year Kimberly-Clark Australia launched Kleenex® Natural Antibacterial Hand Sanitiser in response to this growth market, particularly following the Swine flu outbreak.

Some interesting statistics

  • 57 million people around the world die from infectious diseases each year; a staggering 26% of all deaths.
  • ‘Superbugs’ like MRSA continue to evolve
  • Most deaths and illnesses from infectious diseases are preventable through better hygiene.

Where are germs lurking?

  • Remote Controls
    • Six out of ten remote controls tested positive for rhinovirus
  • Salt & Pepper Shakers
    • Repository for mucus
  • Purses
    • Carries your stuff along with E. coli, salmonella, staph, etc.
  • Supermarkets
    • Your grocery trolley is bacteria on wheels… E. coli was found on two-thirds of shopping carts in one study
  • Cell Phones
    • Half carry staph
  • Desks
    • Contain more bacteria than toilet seats
    • School desks are the worst; women’s desks are worse than men’s because they tend to keep food and cosmetics
    • Computer keyboards

Tips for correct hand washing

Follow the correct steps of hand washing and use antibacterial hand gel this winter and protect yourself.