Handwashing is an underrated but effective method to prevent infectious germs and maintain good hygiene. It reduces the risk of infections caused by the flu, colds, and diseases that are spread through food. Handwashing also removes bacteria, viruses, and germs that are picked up from various surfaces.

Handwashing properly with water and soap every time after eating, using restrooms, and after sneezing and coughing. By following proper hand hygiene, you can shield not only yourself but also everyone in your environment from any health issues. This blog will help you understand why washing your hands is the first step to staying healthy.

What Is Hand Hygiene?

Hand hygiene is the act of keeping your hands germ-free through washing your hands with running water and soap, and then drying them. It is important to wash your hands many times a day, particularly before cooking and after using the bathroom. But just knowing when to wash your hands is not adequate. You should also know how to wash and keep your hands clean.

You might think that washing hands is not a big deal, as we all always think that lathering up the soap is enough, but it is not. The truth is, just lathering up won’t kill all the bacteria in your hands. Washing hands thoroughly and at regular intervals helps keep you as well as everyone around you healthy.

Why Is Washing Your Hands So Important?

Handwashing is one of the easiest but most crucial ways to prevent infections from spreading. Bacteria are present everywhere, right from your kitchen counters to petrol bunks. Your immunity will fight off as many germs as it can, but sometimes they will succeed. That is why thorough handwashing is important.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has mentioned that, reportedly, health issues like diarrhea can be decreased by 30%, and severe respiratory infections can be mitigated by 17% through proper hand hygiene measures. If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned health issues, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Visit the general medicine hospital in Coimbatore for prompt care.

Even if you are sick, washing your hands properly will keep the germs from spreading to others. So, let’s all go back to what we learned long ago; the hand washing steps.

What Are The Best Steps To Wash Your Hands?

Let’s talk about reality. How many of you first use the soap before wetting your hands? Yes, you are doing it all wrong. Here are the correct ways to wash your hands:

Always wet your hands with running water before using soap.
Now, use the soap and lather up well for 20 seconds or longer if the dirt has not been removed.
Rub your hands together fast, all over your palms and wrists.
Do not forget to rub in between your fingers, under your fingernails, and on the back of your hands.
If possible, remove watches or rings from your hands and fingers so that the microorganisms behind them can be washed without overlooking.
Rinse under the running tap water and ensure no traces of lather are left.
Dry your hands with the help of paper tissues, a clean towel, or air-dry them.
You can also use one-time, usable cloth towels for drying your hands.
Also, make sure your fingers are dry, as remaining moisture may lead to future contamination.
You can also utilize hot air dryers.
Always use separate towels at home, and make sure to wash the towels more often.

But most people will not follow handwashing properly when they are lazy or in a hurry. Remember that taking your hand hygiene for granted will become harmful to you at the end of the day. It is because your palm only can have a lot of germs compared to your whole body.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

Keeping your hands clean will help prevent diarrheal and respiratory infections from spreading. Improper hand washing also leads to person-to-person transmissible diseases like typhoid. Infections might spread from person to person or from one surface to a person when you:

Cook, eat, or drink with your hands without washing.
Touching your nose, eyes, and mouth without washing your hands.
Sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose with your hands and touching other people or any common things with those hands.
Touching various surfaces and things that have bacteria on them.

If you wonder when washing your hands is important, then here is when:

After using the washroom.
Before cooking and eating.
After touching your pets.
After cleaning.
After sneezing, blowing your nose, and coughing.
Before and after visiting healthcare facilities.
After delivering mail or packages.
After being outside.

You might wonder what you should do when you don’t have access to soap and water. Yes, there is a solution too. Always remember to carry waterless scrubs or hand sanitizers with you. They could be either wipes, liquids, or sprays. Always make sure to keep one of these in your purse or bag.

Essential Tips To Stay Healthy

If your hands feel dry after washing them, then moisturize them to prevent cracking and dryness. It is because damaged skin can be the pathway for many germs to enter.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands, as these are the primary organs through which germs enter your body.
Keep your nails short, and do not use artificial nails, as the germs could be hidden under them.

Should You Use Only Antibacterial Soaps to Wash Your Hands?

No, that is a myth. All you need is water and any kind of soap to wash away the germs. It is not evident that antibacterial soap is better than any other kind in preventing bacteria. People who work in healthcare might follow many guidelines depending on their profession.

What Happens If I Do Not Wash My Hands Properly?

More than 80% of communicable diseases are transmitted from one person to another. So if you do not wash your hands properly, then you might be prone to illnesses such as pneumonia, colds, and the flu. Remember that washing your hands consistently can reduce diarrhea by more than 40%.

Is Washing Hands Really That Important?

According to research, most infections and diseases spread due to not washing your hands properly in the first place. Washing your hands with running water and soap is the best way to keep germs out of your way.

Summary

The importance of washing your hands should not be overlooked. It keeps you and everyone around safe. If you need any guidance, visit the best general physician in Coimbatore for expert guidance and insights on the importance of hand hygiene. Washing your hands might seem unimportant, but understanding it is a significant part of keeping yourself, your family, and your colleagues safe.