Hand hygiene in the prevention of community-acquired infection

Abstract

The association between lack of hand hygiene and the transfer of infection in hospital has been long established. In contrast the role of hands in the transfer of community-acquired viral and bacterial infection is less well appreciated both by health professionals and members of the public. This article presents evidence to show that many, perhaps most community-acquired infections are disseminated by contact. It is suggested that a more careful approach to hand hygiene by health professionals could reduce the risk of infection in primary care settings. Greater awareness of the role of hand hygiene on the part of the general public could reduce time away from work, school and social activities caused by respiratory and enteric infections.