Washing hands and the control of infections

Did you know doctors did not wash their hands often by the nineteenth century?

I am sure it is something quite surprising to learn! Washing hands is very basic, especially before a meal. Imagine before examining a patient!

At that time, puerperal infection was killing many moms after having their babies. They were routinely evaluated by their doctors and medical students, who had been doing several procedures without washing their hands in between their activities. An observant doctor named Semmelweis noticed it in Vienna. Introducing the habit of washing hands with soap and water completely changed maternal mortality rates, there.

When I was at university, I watched a video in a class that presented this story. It impressed me a lot. Something simple but essential. It influenced me by showing that the best solutions are not always complex and that the answer to a problem may be in front of our faces. It is a lesson applied to many situations.

Having cleaned hands seems so natural these days. This mere habit can truly change lives!