Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene has become even more crucial to prevent the disease from spreading.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of washing your hands and how to do it correctly.

Why is hand washing important?

Our hands come into contact with various surfaces and objects throughout the day, such as doorknobs, keyboards, phones, and handles. These objects may harbor harmful microbes that can cause illness.

When we touch our face, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands, we can introduce the pathogens into our body and become sick.

Hand washing removes dirt, germs, and other microorganisms from our hands, reducing the chance of infection or disease transmission.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand washing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related illnesses and up to 20% of respiratory infections, such as colds and flu.

When should you wash your hands?

Hand washing should be done at regular intervals throughout the day, especially after activities that can spread germs, such as:.

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• Using the restroom
• Coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Handling food, particularly raw meat, poultry, or fish
• Caring for someone who is sick or handling their clothes or bedding
• Touching pets or their waste
• Taking out the trash
• Being in a public place or touching public surfaces

It’s also important to wash your hands before and after caring for a wound, before and after treating someone who is sick, and before preparing or serving food.

How to wash your hands properly?

Hand washing should be done with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, followed by thorough rinsing and drying. Here’s how to do it properly:.

1. Wet your hands with clean running water, warm or cold, and apply soap.
2. Rub your hands together with the soap to lather them well. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air-dry them.

If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Apply the sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub it all over your hands, including the backs, fingers, and nails, until they are dry.

: Hand washing tips

Here are some tips for effective hand washing:.

• Use warm water if available, but cold water is also okay.
• Use liquid or foam soap, which is better than bar soap that can harbor germs.
• Don’t touch the sink, faucet, or door handle after washing your hands. Use a paper towel or your elbow instead.
• Don’t share towels, soap, or other personal items that may spread germs.
• Don’t use a hand dryer, which can blow germs around. Instead, use a clean towel or air-dry your hands.
• Be a role model and encourage others to wash their hands, especially children.

Conclusion

Hand washing is a simple yet powerful practice that can prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protect our health. By washing our hands frequently and correctly, we can reduce the risk of getting sick or infecting others.

Let’s make hand washing a habit and stop the spread of harmful germs.