Lessons from Infection Control Week at Osan Published Nov. 17, 2010 By Lt. Col. Pairin Skaggs 51st Medical Group OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- What can you do to stop the spread of infections? Hand washing is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of infection. It should be performed before and after eating, drinking or after contact with the mouth, nose, or face. It should be accomplished before and after use of the toilet, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, or after touching any body fluids. The thumbs and fingertips are the most frequently overlooked areas while we wash our hands under running water. To properly cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, sneeze into the inside of your elbow. Use tissues to contain secretions. Dispose of tissues in the nearest trash receptacle and then wash hands with soap and water. This year for Infection Control Week, Oct. 18 - 22, infection control officer Maj. Jonathan Pratt, in conjunction with a public health team led by Staff Sgt. LeCorey Jones, gathered a vanguard of infection control specialists from among infection control monitors, public health and operating room staff to visit Osan American Elementary School as a pilot program for teaching proper hand washing techniques to school children. With the permission of David Petree, school principal, and coordination with Karen Chapman, school nurse, the pilot program was initiated in the second and third grade multi-age classroom of Matthew McClafferty. During the lesson, called the "Teddy Bear Clinic," 21 students and one teacher were taught best practices for hand washing, such as speaking your "A, B, C's" to ensure you spend enough time washing your hands. An ultraviolet black light was used to show the children where they had missed spots on their hands. The children were able to see for themselves why proper hand washing techniques are necessary to keep from spreading germs. Combining the resources of the operating room, public health, and the Osan American Elementary School, this learning opportunity provided significant impact for the children by making the knowledge gained more relevant and exciting. At the end of the "Teddy Bear Clinic" the children who demonstrated proper hand washing techniques were rewarded with stickers.