If You Don’t Wash Your Hands What Happens? [VIDEO]

Regular handwashing is your strongest defense against infections, safeguarding your health and those around you.

Importance of Handwashing for Health

Washing your hands regularly is a straightforward yet incredibly effective way to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.

This simple habit can greatly lower your chances of picking up or passing on harmful germs.

Not only does it protect your own health, but it also helps keep those around you safe, especially in places where germs can spread quickly.

Recognizing the importance of handwashing is key to maintaining both personal and public health.

 

Reducing the Risk of Diarrheal Diseases Through Handwashing

• High Risk: Diarrheal diseases are a significant health concern, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation.
• Effective Prevention: Regular handwashing with soap can nearly halve the risk of contracting these illnesses.
• When to Wash: Essential moments include before meals, after using the toilet, and after touching contaminated surfaces.
• Health Benefit: This straightforward habit shields you from harmful pathogens, greatly reducing your chances of getting sick.

 

Preventing the Spread of Infections Through Hand Hygiene

• Primary Concern: Hands are a key channel for spreading infections, particularly in healthcare environments.
• High Impact: Inadequate hand hygiene can result in the transmission of healthcare-associated infections, which are a leading cause of illness and mortality.
• Effective Prevention: Consistent and thorough handwashing is essential to reduce the risk of spreading these infections.
• Key Practice: Make handwashing a priority before and after patient interactions, after contact with surfaces, and before any procedures to safeguard both yourself and others.

 

Limiting the Spread of Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Infections

• High-Risk Environments: Places like hospitals, schools, and food preparation areas are particularly susceptible to the rapid spread of infections due to close contact.
• Main Transmission: Poor hand hygiene often leads to the transfer of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections through contaminated surfaces and direct interaction.
• Prevention Tip: Make it a habit to wash your hands regularly, especially after coughing, sneezing, or handling food, to help curb the spread of these infections.
• Key Benefit: By washing your hands consistently, you not only protect yourself but also reduce the risk of spreading serious illnesses to others.

 

Preventing Skin Infections with Proper Hand Care

• Risk Factor: Frequent handwashing without proper care can cause your skin to become dry and cracked, which heightens the risk of skin infections.
• Prevention Strategy: Incorporate moisturizing into your daily routine, particularly after washing your hands, to keep your skin healthy.
• Key Practice: Apply a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated and intact, minimizing the chance of bacteria entering through any cracks.
• Health Benefit: By balancing cleanliness with skin care, you ensure your hands remain both clean and healthy, reducing the risk of infections.

 

How to Practice Proper Hand Hygiene

Maintaining good hand hygiene is easy and vital for protecting yourself and others from infections. Here’s how to make sure your hands are properly cleaned:

1. Wet Your Hands Start by wetting your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold). Turn off the tap to conserve water, and then apply soap.
2. Lather with Soap Rub your hands together to create a good lather, making sure to cover all areas. Pay attention to the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails, where germs often hide.
3. Scrub Thoroughly Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
4. Rinse Well Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean, running water to remove the soap and any germs.
5. Dry Completely Use a clean towel or air dryer to dry your hands. If possible, use a towel to turn off the faucet and open doors so you don’t re-contaminate your clean hands.
6. Use Hand Sanitizer When Soap and Water Aren’t Available When soap and water aren’t an option, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Apply it to your palm, rub your hands together, and cover all surfaces until they’re dry.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your hands clean and reduce the risk of spreading germs.

Regular handwashing is one of the most effective ways to stay healthy and protect those around you from infections.

 

References

1. Curtis, V., & Cairncross, S. (2003). Effect of washing hands with soap on diarrhoea risk in the community: a systematic review. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 3(5), 275–281. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1473-3099(03)00606-6
2. ‌Saini, R., Mani, A., & Shubangi, A. (2010). Hand hygiene among health care workers. Indian Journal of Dental Research, 21(1), 115. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-9290.62810
3. ‌TODD, E. C. D., GREIG, J. D., MICHAELS, B. S., BARTLESON, C. A., SMITH, D., & HOLAH, J. (2010). Outbreaks Where Food Workers Have Been Implicated in the Spread of Foodborne Disease. Part 11. Use of Antiseptics and Sanitizers in Community Settings and Issues of Hand Hygiene Compliance in Health Care and Food Industries. Journal of Food Protection, 73(12), 2306–2320. https://doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-73.12.2306
4. ‌Borges, L. F. de A. e, Silva, B. L., & Gontijo Filho, P. P. (2007). Hand washing: Changes in the skin flora. American Journal of Infection Control, 35(6), 417–420. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2006.07.012

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Takeaway

Proper hand hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of a wide array of infections, from diarrheal and respiratory illnesses to skin infections.

By making regular handwashing a habit and pairing it with good skin care, you safeguard not only your own health but also the well-being of those around you.

This straightforward yet powerful routine is fundamental to both personal and public health, significantly reducing the risk of illness and promoting overall well-being in any setting.

Prioritizing hand hygiene requires minimal effort but offers immense benefits, making it an essential part of daily life.

If you would like more information regarding the effectiveness of high-performance infection prevention and control measures, or if you would like to schedule a free, no-obligation on-site assessment of your facility's custodial needs, contact us today for a free quote!

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