Handwashing is an easy but powerful activity we can all do to protect ourselves from harmful pathogens. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of diseases and infections.
Handwashing is not a new concept. It has been practised since ancient times, but its importance has been emphasized more than ever, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic. With this in mind, this blog will discuss the purpose of handwashing, its benefits and how it works.
Handwashing: What is it for?
The primary purpose of handwashing is to prevent the spread of diseases and infections. Handwashing helps to eliminate harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi that can cause infections like the common cold, flu and COVID-19. By doing so, we reduce the chance of spreading these pathogens to other people and objects.
How do Germs Spread?
Germs can be microscopic, living organisms that have the potential to cause disease. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are examples of germs. Before learning to wash your hands properly, it is important to understand how germs spread. Here is an explanation as to when these Germs spread-
- You touch your mouth or face with unhygienic and unclean hands.
- Prepare or consume food without washing your hands.
- Touch contaminated objects. Don’t wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
Benefits of handwashing
There are many benefits of handwashing, such as:
- Reducing the spread of infections and diseases: Handwashing is an effective way to reduce the spread of diseases and infections. It can help to reduce the risk of transmitting harmful pathogens such as bacteria and viruses from one person to another or object to person.
- Improve overall health: Hand hygiene can prevent the spread of diseases and infections, leading to better overall health. This can also help to reduce absenteeism from work or school due to illness.
- Preventing foodborne illnesses: Proper hand washing is an essential step in preventing foodborne illnesses. It reduces the spread of germs and harmful pathogens that can contaminate food.
- Promoting good hygiene: Handwashing is an integral part of good hygiene practices. It promotes cleanliness and helps to reduce the spread and spread of infections.
- Protection of vulnerable populations: Handwashing is especially important for those who are young, old, or have a weak immune system. These people are more vulnerable to diseases and infections and are at a greater risk of complications.
When should you wash your hands?
Wash your hands thoroughly:
- after using the toilet
- after changing nappies
- before, during, and after preparing food
- before eating
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- after using a tissue or handkerchief
- before and after caring for sick children or family members
- after smoking
- after handling animals
- when you return home, visit other people’s homes, at venues or at work.
Do not touch your nose, eyes, or mouth with unwashed hands.
If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, cough or sneeze into a tissue. After that, throw away the tissue and wash your hands properly.
You can cough into your elbow if you don’t have a tissue. It is a part of your body that is less likely to touch surfaces and will help stop the spread of germs.
How to wash your hands properly
To wash your hands properly:
- Turn on the water tap and wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Use soap and lather well for atleast 20 seconds.
- Rub your hands rapidly across all surfaces of your hands and wrists.
- Don’t forget the backs of your hands, wrists and between your fingers.
- Remove watches and rings before washing your hands, as microorganisms can exist under them.
- Rinse well under running water. Make sure to get rid of any soap residue.
- Use a towel to dry your hands or air dry them.
- It’s best to use paper towels or a single-use cloth towel.
Use running water
Use running water instead of using a basin of standing water that can become contaminated through use.
Warm water is better than cold water for handwashing, as soap lathers (soaps up) better with warm water. However, cold water and soap can still be used.
The skin’s natural oils can be damaged by hot water. Over time, this can cause dermatitis.
Soap is important
Hand washing with soap and water is a better way to eliminate disease-causing organisms than just water alone.
For people who find soap causes skin irritation, it is important to know that soaps may have different pH levels. They may be neutral, slightly acidic or alkaline. Also, soaps may contain perfumes that may also cause irritation. Changing soap may help some people.
Liquid soap is best
It is generally better to use liquid soap rather than bar soap, especially at work. However, bar soap is better than no soap.
No advantage to using antibacterial soap
All soaps are effective in removing germs and diseases when they are used as per the above steps. Antibacterial soap is unnecessary and does not offer an advantage over regular soap.
Soap and water are better than hand sanitiser
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be effective against certain viruses, such as coronavirus. However, they are not effective against gastroenteritis.
To prevent gastroenteritis infection, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
It is best to wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand wash that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Take care of your hands
Hand hygiene is not just about hand washing. Taking care of your skin is essential as it is your best barrier against infection.
After your hands have been dried thoroughly, you can take care of your hands if you:
- Use a water-based, absorbent hand cream three to four times a day. You can apply it more often if your hands are constantly in water.
- Protect your hands by wearing gloves when washing dishes.
- Use gloves when gardening to prevent a build-up of ingrained soil or scratches.
- Medical hand washing time is a crucial component of infection prevention, and it’s essential to understand the importance of thorough and regular hand washing to protect against the spread of germs.
- Consult a doctor if skin irritation develops or continues.
Handwashing and its effect on your Health
- Reduces the number of people who become ill from diarrhea by 23-40%
- Reduces infection by 60% among people with weak immune systems.
- Reduces the instance of respiratory disease by 10-20%
- Reduces the rate of student absenteeism induced by gastrointestinal illness by 30-60 percent.
Handwashing helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases
Many infectious diseases can easily be transmitted from one person to another by contaminated hands.
These diseases include gastrointestinal conditions, such as salmonellosis and respiratory infections, such as influenza, colds, and coronavirus (COVID-19).
Proper hand washing with soap and water will help to prevent the spread of germs, such as bacteria and viruses, that can cause these diseases.
Some forms of gastrointestinal or respiratory infections can lead to serious complications, especially for young children, the elderly or those with a weakened immune system.