Hand Hygiene and Antibiotic Resistance

<h2>HAND HYGIENE AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE</h2> <h2>WHO Information for Patients</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What is antibiotic resistance?</h2> <p>Sometimes, an antibiotic that worked in the past for a particular bacterial infection no longer works. This happens when the bacteria has changed and therefore can no longer be killed or inhibited by that antibiotic. That antibiotic (and other similar antibiotics) cannot treat an infection caused by these bacteria. In other words, the bacteria become resistant and can continue to multiply in the patient's body even while taking antibiotics. This is called antibiotic resistance and is usually caused by overuse and misuse of antibiotics.</p> <h2>How do antibiotic-resistant bacteria enter our bodies?</h2> <p>Infections occur when there is an "entry point" in the skin for resistant bacteria to enter the patient's body, usually a surgical wound or vascular access. The most likely way for this to happen is by touching the entry point directly with dirty hands. In health facilities where antibiotic use is high and poorly regulated, bacteria are more likely to become resistant to antibiotics and can cause healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs: healthcare-associated infections), which are much more difficult to treat.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Is antibiotic resistance seen both in hospitals and in the community?</h2> <p>Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide problem in hospitals and in the community.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Why should you worry about antibiotic-resistant bacteria?</h2> <p>When a person takes antibiotics, the bacteria that usually cause the infection are killed, but resistant bacteria can develop and multiply in the body. This makes it difficult to treat infections with existing antibiotics. These infections can cause serious harm and death. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can easily spread to patients. Sometimes they can also spread to your family members, schoolmates or colleagues. Antibiotic resistance is a worldwide public health problem as more bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, and the number of antibiotics available to treat infections is decreasing. It is important to remember that you or your family can acquire antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can settle in your intestines or on your skin without causing any harm, but can cause infection in others.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What is the key action healthcare workers should take to prevent the transmission of resistant bacteria to patients?</h2> <p>The answer is simple: Hand hygiene!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>There are important situations where healthcare workers need to clean their hands to protect patients from resistant bacteria:</p> <p>When a health worker first approaches a patient, before touching the patient,</p> <p>For example, before doing an examination or helping to move you. The World Health Organization (WHO) calls this "Situation 1: Before contact with the patient".</p> <p>Before a clean/aseptic procedure</p> <p>This means before performing procedures that involve direct touching of mucous membranes or an intact part of the body, such as wound dressings, urinary catheter insertion and care, oral care, intravenous insertion and inside the mouth during care. WHO refers to this as "Situation 2: Before clean/aseptic procedures".</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>What can patients do to limit the development of antibiotic resistance in hospital?</h2> <p>By cleaning their hands while in hospital, patients can help stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Here are some examples:</p> <ol> <li>a) before touching their own wound dressings or intravenous lines;</li> <li>b) after touching other patients;</li> <li>c) after using the toilet.</li> </ol> <p>Patients can also work with health workers by politely asking if they have cleaned their hands before touching themselves and before doing any clean work.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>General recommendations for you:</h2> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Prevent infections from developing by staying healthy (e.g. by eating a healthy diet and practicing good hygiene) so that you do not need antibiotics.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Home, office, school, gym, etc. Avoid infections by cleaning your hands regularly in places where you work.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> If necessary, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics for your infection. Do not ask your doctor for antibiotics.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Remember that antibiotics do not work for infections caused by viruses.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> If antibiotics are prescribed, always ask how the medicine will help your current illness.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor and do not skip or stop taking antibiotics altogether, even if you start to feel better.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Do not save your antibiotics for other illnesses.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Do not share your prescription medicines with others. This leads to misuse and can facilitate antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are powerful medicines and can also have negative side effects.</p> <p><img class="emoji" role="img" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/14.0.0/svg/25aa.svg" alt="▪"> Encourage family and friends to take antibiotics only when necessary</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Updated: 05.05.2022, 10:00</p> <p>This content has been published with the approval of Atakent Health Group Medical Editorial Board. The content published on the page is prepared with scientific data at the time of registration and is for informational purposes only. There is no content on curative health care. Please consult your physician for accurate diagnosis and treatment.</p>