Hand Washing Steps to Prevent Germs on Hands

Hand hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases caused by unclean hands. Many people often skip washing their hands after various activities, such as shopping or gardening. This negligence can lead to illnesses, even if you maintain a healthy lifestyle and eat nutritious food. Because of this, most people get sick with gastrointestinal problems

What Are Germs?

Germs are microscopic organisms that can cause diseases. Contamination can occur from:

• Using the Restroom: Germs spread from surfaces and contact.
• Handling Raw Meat: Bacteria transfer from food.
• Touching Contaminated Surfaces: Germs can be picked up from shared areas.

Microscopic Germs on Hands: Germs can live up to three hours on your hands. There are about 2 to 10 million bacteria on your fingertips and elbows. Germ counts can double after using the toilet. Dirty hands can transfer germs to food and drinks. Hands spread more germs when damp.

Hand Washing Steps

• Wet Hands: Use clean, running water and turn off the tap.
• Apply Soap: Rub the soap on all surfaces of your hands to form a lather.
• Scrub: Clean the back of hands, between fingers, and under nails for at least 20 seconds. (Sing "Happy Birthday" twice for a timer.)
• Rinse: Wash hands thoroughly with running water.
• Dry: Use a clean towel or air dryer.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer?

• Choose a Sanitizer: Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Check the label.
• Application: Apply sanitizer to one palm (check label for the correct amount).
• Cover All Surfaces: Rub hands and fingers together until dry (about 20 seconds).

Important Notes:

• Sanitizers don’t kill all germs.
• Not effective on greasy or dirty hands.
• Can't remove harmful chemicals.

Caution: Swallowing hand sanitizer can lead to alcohol poisoning. Keep it away from children and supervise its use.

What Diseases are Caused by Unclean Hands?

• Airborne Illnesses: Includes cold, flu, chickenpox, and meningitis. These can spread via droplets from coughs or sneezes and also through poor hand hygiene.
• Norovirus: Causes viral gastroenteritis with symptoms like diarrhea, nausea,vomiting, and stomach pain.
• Hepatitis A: Spread through contaminated food handled by dirty hands, leading to liver issues, jaundice, stomach discomfort, fever, and fatigue.
• Pink Eye: Bacteria can spread easily from surfaces to the eyes, causing irritation.
• Botulism: Severe infection prevented by washing hands before eating.
• Other Flu-Virus: Regular hand washing helps prevent its spread. Wash for at least 20 seconds with soap and running water.

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself and others from various infections. Make hand washing a regular part of your routine to stay healthy and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions