Precautions to be taken for hygiene during pandemic periods
Pandemics are one of the biggest health crises facing humanity. The COVID-19 pandemic in recent years has radically changed the way individuals and societies view hygiene. Hygiene measures constitute the most critical line of defence to prevent the rapid spread of epidemics, protect public health and sustain health systems. The importance of hygiene increases even more during pandemic periods, and the measures to be taken in this process play a vital role in protecting the health of both individuals and society.
1. Hand Hygiene: First Line of Defence in Pandemics
When it comes to hygiene measures in pandemics, the first thing that comes to mind is hand hygiene. Hand washing is one of the most effective methods to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of hand hygiene during pandemics and states that frequent hand washing with soap and water prevents the transmission of microorganisms from the hands to the body. In addition, hand antiseptics come into play when access to water is limited. Alcohol-based hand antiseptics quickly neutralise germs on hands and minimise the risk of contamination.
Increasing hand disinfection stations in healthcare institutions and public areas during the pandemic is of great importance in terms of breaking the chain of infection. In risky areas such as hospitals and health centres, the constant availability of hand antiseptics helps protect both healthcare workers and patients.
2. Cleaning and Disinfection of Surfaces
During pandemic periods, it is critical to disinfect frequently contacted areas against the risk of transmission of viruses from surfaces. For this reason, floor and surface disinfectants should be used regularly in all indoor areas from homes to health institutions. Especially frequently contacted surfaces such as door handles, table tops, medical devices offer suitable environments for microbial growth. The use of disinfectants that are effective on these surfaces and have a broad-spectrum germicidal effect is effective in breaking the chain of transmission.
Studies conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that viruses can remain viable on certain surfaces for hours or even days. Therefore, surface hygiene should be strictly enforced both individually at home and in public areas such as public transport, shopping centres and workplaces.
3. Use of Personal Protective Equipment
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a major role in ensuring hygiene during pandemic periods. Especially healthcare workers should protect themselves and their environment by using PPE as they are in direct contact with patients. Protective equipment such as masks, gloves and goggles prevent the spread of viruses transmitted by droplets. The obligation to use masks in the community during the pandemic has been one of the most effective methods to slow down the transmission rate.
At the same time, the correct use and disposal of this protective equipment is also part of hygiene measures. Failure to dispose of soiled masks or gloves properly can create a new source of infection for public health. Therefore, individuals should be made aware of the hygienic disposal of masks and gloves.
4. Ventilation and Environmental Hygiene
The risk of viruses spreading in closed environments is quite high. Proper ventilation of closed areas during pandemics can be effective in reducing the virus load. In addition, pathogens in the air and on the surface can be cleaned by using ambient disinfectants in closed areas. In this process, ambient disinfection devices provide effective protection, especially in hospitals, offices and public areas. These devices, which work with the pulvarisation method, spread disinfectant solutions into the environment as a fine mist and destroy microorganisms suspended in the air.
During the pandemic, improving air quality, especially in critical areas such as intensive care units, is vital for the protection of patients and healthcare workers. In this context, the environment can be sterilised using disinfection methods such as UV rays or hydrogen peroxide.
5. Attention to hygiene of personal belongings
During pandemics, not only common areas but also personal belongings of individuals should be hygienic. Frequently used personal items such as phones, wallets, keys, etc. can cause the transmission of viruses. Therefore, it is recommended to disinfect such items regularly.
In addition, disinfecting products brought home from outside (e.g. grocery shopping) can be an effective measure to reduce the virus load. During pandemic periods, individuals making such hygiene practices a habit will significantly reduce the risk of infection.
6. Hygiene in Public Transport
During pandemics, public transport offers a favourable environment for the spread of viruses. These vehicles, which are used by thousands of people every day, should be regularly cleaned and disinfected in accordance with hygiene rules. In particular, the disinfection of seats, handrails and other frequently touched surfaces on buses, trains and aeroplanes is of vital importance. Foam surface cleaners ensure that these surfaces are disinfected quickly and effectively.
In addition, observing social distancing rules in public transport and warning passengers about the use of masks play a critical role in reducing the risk of transmission.
7. Training and Awareness Raising Activities
In order to effectively implement hygiene measures during pandemic periods, it is essential to raise awareness of all segments of society. Understanding the importance of hygiene rules and disinfection procedures makes it easier for individuals to comply with these measures. In this context, awareness-raising campaigns through the media ensure that hygiene is adopted throughout the society.
Likewise, healthcare workers and public officials should be regularly trained on pandemic hygiene protocols. The dissemination of correct hygiene practices plays an important role in controlling the pandemic.
Hygiene in Pandemics is the Key to Protecting Society
Compliance with hygiene rules during pandemic periods is critical in protecting the health of both individuals and society. A wide range of hygiene practices, from hand hygiene to surface cleaning, from ventilation to measures to be taken in public transport, can prevent the spread of epidemics. Proper implementation of hospital hygiene and personal hygiene practices is one of our most powerful weapons in the fight against pandemics.
Pandemics have once again demonstrated how important hygiene habits are throughout the society. The measures to be taken against pandemics show that hygiene should be adopted as a way of life not only during epidemics but also in normal life.
