How to properly wash your hands to prevent illness
From the moment we open our eyes in the morning until we close them at night, our hands are constantly interacting with the world around us. We touch our faces, our food, our doorknobs, our pets – the list goes on and on.
While these interactions are essential for our daily lives, they also present an opportunity for germs to spread. That’s why the importance of handwashing cannot be overstated as the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness.
National Handwashing Week, observed annually from December 3rd to 9th, serves as a timely reminder of the profound impact of this simple act. It’s not just about scrubbing our hands clean; it’s about protecting ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities from the invisible threats that lurk in the environment.
The Importance of Handwashing
Handwashing stands as one of the most effective and straightforward interventions in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handwashing can significantly reduce the risk of contracting and transmitting a range of illnesses, including:
- Diarrhea: A leading cause of death worldwide, diarrhea can be easily prevented by thorough handwashing after using the toilet and before eating.
- Respiratory infections: Respiratory illnesses like the common cold and influenza can spread through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces. Handwashing helps break the chain of transmission by removing germs from our hands before we touch our faces or others.
- Skin infections: Our hands often come into contact with germs that can cause skin infections, such as staph infections and impetigo. Handwashing helps prevent these infections by removing germs from our hands before they can enter the skin through cuts, scrapes, or other openings.
- Foodborne illnesses: Handwashing is crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses, which can arise from contaminated food or food preparation surfaces. Handwashing before, during, and after food preparation helps eliminate germs that can cause food poisoning.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Handwashing is not a one-size-fits-all approach; incorporating it into specific moments throughout our day maximizes its protective benefits. Here are key times to prioritize handwashing:
- Before eating: Handwashing before eating helps prevent the ingestion of germs that can cause foodborne illnesses.
- After using the bathroom: Handwashing after using the toilet is essential to remove germs that can cause diarrhea and other infections.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing: Handwashing after respiratory secretions helps prevent the spread of respiratory infections like the common cold and influenza.
- After touching garbage or animals: Handwashing after handling garbage or animal waste helps prevent the spread of germs that can cause various infections.
- After coming into contact with someone who is sick: Handwashing after being in close contact with someone who is sick can help prevent the spread of their illness.
How to Wash Your Hands
Proper handwashing technique is paramount to effectively removing germs. If you are wondering how to properly wash your hands to prevent illness, follow these steps to ensure thorough cleansing:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather thoroughly, covering all surfaces of your hands, including between your fingers, under your nails, and on the backs of your hands.
iii. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Timing is essential; 20 seconds is the recommended duration to ensure sufficient germ removal.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands completely with a clean towel or paper towel.
Additional Handwashing Tips
The importance of handwashing cannot be overemphasized. Beyond the core handwashing technique, additional tips can further enhance your hand hygiene practices. Here are a few tips:
- Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available. Hand sanitizer can be a convenient alternative when soap and water are not readily accessible.
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, with unwashed hands. Germs on your hands can easily transfer to your face, increasing the risk of infection.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and dispose of the tissue properly afterward. This helps prevent the spread of airborne germs.
- Wash your hands frequently when you are in crowded public places. Crowded environments increase the likelihood of encountering germs, making handwashing even more crucial.
National Handwashing Week is an opportunity to amplify our efforts and emphasize the importance of handwashing. Let’s make this year’s celebration a resounding success by incorporating handwashing into our daily routines and encouraging others to do the same.
Make handwashing a habit that becomes second nature. Wash your hands regularly and properly, especially at the key times identified earlier. Use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. And wash your hands frequently when in crowded public places.
By embracing these simple yet powerful measures, we can effectively protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from the spread of preventable illnesses.
