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The Importance of Washing Hands

drkmh The Importance of Washing Hands

 

Proper handwashing with soap and water is a proven and simple method to protect health and prevent disease.

Handwashing is a simple yet powerful way to prevent the spread of infections and maintain good health. It removes germs, bacteria, and viruses picked up from surfaces, reducing the risk of illnesses like colds, flu, and foodborne diseases. Proper handwashing with soap and water is especially crucial before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. By practicing good hand hygiene, we protect ourselves and others, promoting a healthier environment and reducing healthcare burdens.

 

Fomites Alert!

 

Fomites are inanimate objects or surfaces that can carry and transmit infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi, from one person to another. Common examples include doorknobs, utensils, toys, clothing, keyboards, and mobile phones. Regular cleaning and proper hand hygiene are essential to reduce the transmission of diseases through fomites.

 

Washing your hands after touching fomites is crucial because these surfaces can harbor harmful germs like bacteria, viruses, and fungi that may cause infections. When you touch fomites and then your face—especially your mouth, nose, or eyes—these germs can enter your body, leading to illnesses such as colds, flu, or gastrointestinal infections. Proper handwashing with soap and water removes these pathogens, reducing the risk of transmission and protecting both your health and the health of those around you.

 

Health Hazards due to Poor Hand Hygiene

 

Poor hand hygiene can lead to the spread of various diseases and health issues, including:

 

Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu, and COVID-19 are spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.

 

Gastrointestinal Illnesses: Diseases like diarrhea, norovirus, and Salmonella are often transmitted through contaminated hands.

 

Skin Infections: Conditions such as impetigo and fungal infections can spread via unclean hands.

 

Eye Infections: Conjunctivitis (pink eye) can result from transferring germs to the eyes.

 

Parasitic Infections: Worm infestations like pinworms can occur due to poor hygiene practices.

 

When should you wash your hands?

 

You should wash your hands at key times to prevent the spread of germs. These include:

 

  • Before:
    • Eating or preparing food.
    • Treating wounds or caring for someone sick.
  • After:
    • Using the restroom.
    • Coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
    • Handling garbage.
    • Touching animals, pet food, or animal waste.
    • Changing diapers or cleaning up after a child.
  • Also when:
    • Your hands look visibly dirty.
    • You have touched high-contact surfaces like doorknobs, handrails, or shared equipment.

Consistent handwashing with soap and water is essential for staying healthy.

 

Do It with Soap!

 

Washing hands with soap is essential because soap effectively removes germs, dirt, and oils that water alone cannot. Here is why:

 

  • Breaks Down Germs: Soap molecules disrupt the outer layer of bacteria and viruses, including harmful ones like the flu or COVID-19, rendering them inactive.
  • Removes Dirt and Oils: Soap binds to dirt, grease, and oils on the skin, which can trap germs, making them easier to rinse away.
  • Reduces Disease Transmission: Using soap ensures more thorough cleaning, significantly lowering the risk of spreading infections.

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Proper handwashing with soap and water is a proven and simple method to protect health and prevent disease.

 

Sanitizer vs Soap

 

Hand sanitizers can effectively clean hands in certain situations but are not always as effective as soap and water.

 

  • When is Sanitizer Effective?

    – Alcohol-based sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) can kill many bacteria and viruses, including cold and flu germs.
    – It is useful when soap and water are unavailable.

  • When is Soap and Water Better?

    Removes Dirt and Grease: Sanitizers are less effective at removing visible dirt, grease, or harmful chemicals.
    Eliminates All Germs: Soap and water can remove pathogens that sanitizers might not, like norovirus and some parasites.
    Breaks Chains of Infection: Handwashing physically washes germs away, offering more comprehensive cleaning.

  • But the Best Practice is…

    Use soap and water whenever possible, especially after using the restroom, managing raw food, or when hands are visibly dirty.
    Use sanitizer as a convenient alternative but ensure its alcohol-based for effectiveness.

The Right Way to Wash Your Hands

 

The right way to wash hands involves a thorough process to ensure germs are effectively removed:

 

  • Wet Hands: Use clean, running water (warm or cold) to wet your hands. Turn off the tap to save water.
  • Apply Soap: Use enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
  • Scrub Thoroughly: Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, covering: palms, backs of hands, between fingers, under fingernails, thumbs, and wrists
  • Rinse Well: Use running water to rinse off all soap and germs.
  • Dry Hands: Use a clean towel or air dryer to dry your hands completely.

Following these steps ensures optimal hygiene and helps prevent the spread of germs.

 

CONSULTANT - MICROBIOLOGY at Dr.Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals
Reviewed By:

DR.ANITHA.R

CONSULTANT – MICROBIOLOGY

MBBS, MD( MICROBIOLOGY)