How can Hand Hygiene Prevent the Spread of Viral Infections?

Medically Reviewed by:Dr. Kanika
How can Hand Hygiene Prevent the Spread of Viral Infections?

According to research, poor hand hygiene contributes to the spread of numerous dangerous diseases. Therefore, hand cleaning could effectively stop illnesses from spreading. Just touching another individual can spread germs, or dangerous pathogenic microorganisms. Additionally, contacting a contaminated object or surfaces and then touching one's mouth, eyes, or nose might spread germs. Around the world, improper hand hygiene causes serious harm to children. A study estimates that pneumonia and diarrhoeal illnesses kill over 1.8 million children under the age of five worldwide.

Proper hand washing with soap and water could prevent the disease from infecting one out of every three children from diarrhea or one out of every five children from respiratory conditions (such as pneumonia).

Despite the fact that many people worldwide regularly wash their hands with water, very few actually use soap. Compared to washing hands with water alone, several studies have shown that soaps are more effective at eliminating germs from hands.

Microbes that cause respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and hands-foot-mouth disorders include Salmonella, E. Coli O157, and norovirus. These bacteria can infect a person's hand when changing a diaper or using the restroom because they are commonly present in faeces. When handling raw meat that contains traces of animal waste, it can also go to one's hand. Furthermore, merely touching a contaminated object might transfer germs onto your hands. Unknown to the individual, these bacteria can cause illness through simple contact or handshakes. This makes proper hand washing very crucial to keep such diseases at bay.

Why is Hand Washing Important?

The mouth, nose, and eyes are the main entry points for germs, and everyone touches their face frequently without even noticing. In addition to contaminating food and beverages, germs from unwashed hands can readily spread to toys, tabletops, and railings. Right hand washing with soap eliminates germs, which lowers the incidence of diarrhoea, eye and skin conditions, and respiratory infections.

According to a study, educating people about the value of handwashing has greatly decreased diarrhoea by 23-40% in a community. It's interesting to note that this has shown a 58% reduction in diarrhoeal disease in those with compromised immune systems. Furthermore, gastrointestinal illnesses in students have decreased by 29–57% and respiratory illnesses, such as the common flu, in the general population by 16–21% as a result of this awareness.

Maintaining good hand hygiene has been crucial in stopping the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's causative agent, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Because of this virus's high contagiousness, it is advised to often wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitisers that contain alcohol to prevent the infection from spreading.

According to studies, handwashing effectively aids in the fighting against the problem of rising antibiotic resistance. Certain studies have shown that antibiotics are generally unnecessarily prescribed for diseases such as common colds. Antibiotic resistance occurs when a bacterium is not killed by antibiotics due to overuse. 20% of respiratory infections can be avoided by washing your hands.

Antibiotic usage, a major contributing factor to antibiotic resistance worldwide, could be prevented by lowering the incidence of these illnesses by good hand hygiene. Crucially, practicing good hand hygiene would stop the spread of bacteria that are already resistant to antibiotics and are therefore challenging to treat.

Right Times for Hand Washing

Washing your hands frequently will help you and your loved ones stay healthy, especially during these crucial moments when you are more prone to contract and transfer germs:

  • Before, during, and after making food
  • Before and after having meals or snacks
  • Before and after taking care of someone who is sick, particularly suffering from vomiting or diarrhea
  • Before and after caring for a cut or wound
  • After using the toilet
  • After changing your child’s diapers or cleaning your child who has used the toilet
  • After coughing, blowing your nose, or sneezing
  • After handling pet food or pet treats
  • After touching garbage
  • After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

How Does Hand Washing Work?

One of the simplest and most efficient ways to stop the spread of germs is to wash your hands. Always adhere to these five steps.

  • WET your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold)
  • Turn off the tap, and APPLY SOAP.
  • LATHER your hands by rubbing both the hands together with the soap. Also, lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • SCRUB your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds.
  • RINSE your hands properly under clean, running water.
  • DRY your hands with a clean towel or an air dryer.

Conclusion

Yes, in a nutshell. The best strategy to stop illnesses from spreading is to wash your hands. Certain "germs"—a broad word for pathogens like bacteria and viruses—can be carelessly transmitted by touching another person. Additionally, touching your face (mouth, eyes, and nose) after coming into contact with infected things or surfaces might spread germs.
Proper hand washing eliminates germs, viruses, and filth that can spread diseases like food poisoning, the flu, and diarrhoea to other people and items. It may lessen the likelihood that people will contract diseases and infect others. When you visit someone in a hospital or other healthcare facility, it can also assist in preventing the transmission of numerous contagious illnesses.

Using a sufficient amount of soap, rubbing your hands together to generate friction for at least 20 seconds, and then rinsing under running water are all examples of "good" hand washing procedures. Gloves are not a replacement for hand washing. Hand washing is often required before and after wearing gloves.

Protect yourself from viral infections with proper hand washing tips from Dr. B. Lal Labs. Learn the right techniques and stay healthy—start your prevention journey today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Why is hand washing important in preventing viral infections?
A: Hand washing removes germs, including viruses, from your hands. It prevents the spread of infections by stopping the transfer of germs to your face, food, and other surfaces.

Q2: Does soap kill viruses?
A: Yes, soap breaks down the protective outer layer of many viruses, including those that cause illnesses like the flu and COVID-19, effectively removing them.

Q3: What if soap and water aren’t available?
A: Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Rub it over all surfaces of your hands until dry.

Q4: How does hand washing protect others?
A: By washing your hands, you prevent the spread of germs to shared surfaces and reduce the risk of passing infections to others.

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