when managing diarrhoea and vomiting, what must hands be decontaminated with?

When managing diarrhea and vomiting, hands must be decontaminated with soap and water. Thorough hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective method to remove the pathogens causing these symptoms, particularly norovirus, which is not effectively killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers such as gels or foams. Hands should be washed thoroughly for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces. If hand washing is not immediately available, using an alcohol-free hand sanitizer tested to kill norovirus is recommended, but washing with soap and water remains the best practice. Gloves should be worn when handling body fluids and then disposed of properly, with hand washing performed even after glove removal to ensure maximum decontamination.