Hygiene: Definition, Critical Practices, and Disease Prevention Impact

Hygiene = practices preserving health through cleanliness, preventing pathogen transmission.

Hand Hygiene: Soap/water 20 sec or ABHR (60%+ alcohol). Key moments: before eating, after toilet, after contact with contaminants, before/after patient care (WHO 5 Moments).
Respiratory Hygiene: Cover cough/sneeze (tissue/elbow); mask if symptomatic; ventilation.
Food Safety: Clean, separate, cook, chill. Prevent foodborne illness (Salmonella, E. coli, Norovirus).
Water Safety: Potable water; treat if unsure (boil, filter, chemical).
Environmental Hygiene: Clean/disinfect high-touch surfaces; medical device reprocessing; waste management.
Personal Hygiene: Bathing, oral care, nail care, menstrual hygiene, laundering.

Reduces diarrheal diseases ~30–50%, respiratory infections ~20%.
Critical in healthcare (HAI prevention), schools, food service, disaster settings.
Antimicrobial resistance mitigation via infection prevention.

Hygiene is a foundational public health intervention with high ROI.