They emphasize the importance of washing hands to prevent the spread of infections.

B. Braun, in light of the May 5th commemoration of World Hand Hygiene Day, highlighted the importance of this practice to prevent the spread of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs).

The company emphasized that these infections are responsible for thousands of deaths each year and can be effectively prevented through hand hygiene, one of the most effective actions that can prevent up to 50% of hospital infections.

Therefore, on the occasion of World Hand Hygiene Day, B. Braun shared some recommendations with healthcare professionals and the general public to improve this preventive measure, such as using alcohol-based solution when hands are not visibly dirty, as it is quicker, more effective, and better tolerated by the skin than washing with soap and water; or washing hands with soap and water if they are visibly dirty, after using the restroom, or if there is a suspicion of exposure to resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile.

Another tip mentioned is not to neglect the use of gloves, as their use does not exempt from hand hygiene and it is important to remove them before sanitizing hands and to dispose of them properly; as well as performing proper hand hygiene because an incorrect technique significantly reduces its effectiveness.

Therefore, it insists that hand washing should last between 15 and 30 seconds, applying enough product to cover the surface of both hands and following these guidelines: rub palm against palm, rub the right palm over the back of the left hand interlacing fingers and vice versa, rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced, rub the back of the fingers against the opposite palm, rub each thumb with a rotating movement, rub the fingertips against the opposite palm with a rotating movement, and dry hands completely.

Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests five key moments for hand hygiene in healthcare settings: before touching a patient, to protect the patient from potential pathogens on the hands; before performing aseptic tasks, to protect the patient from pathogens that could enter their body, including their own germs; after exposure to body fluids, to protect oneself from colonization or infection by patient pathogens; after touching a patient, to prevent the spread of infections between the patient and staff; and after touching the patient's surroundings, to prevent the transmission of pathogens to other patients, staff, or common areas of the hospital.

"Proper hand hygiene is a simple gesture that can help save thousands of lives, prevent infections, and improve patient safety in all healthcare settings. By doing so, we can significantly reduce the spread of infections and ensure safer and more effective care for all patients," emphasized B. Braun.