Infectious disease specialist warns about the importance of habit to counter the spread of germs and viruses
Washing your hands is a simple act, but it can save lives. It is no coincidence that the World Health Organization (WHO) established “World Hand Hygiene Day”, celebrated on May 5th. The date reinforces the importance of the practice to combat the spread of diseases which, according to the institution, can be reduced by up to 40% with habit.
“There are some diseases, viral and bacterial, that can be transmitted through contact with unwashed hands, such as COVID-19, influenza, conjunctivitis, foot-and-mouth disease, mononucleosis, herpes zoster, l ‘hepatitis A, gastroenterocolitis, among others,’ explains Felipe Moreno, infectious disease specialist at the Hospital Evangélico de Sorocaba (HES).
Lack of hand hygiene allows germs to accumulate, creating a contamination cycle which can spread rapidly, especially in hospital settings. This happens in some situations, such as touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands, preparing or eating food without washing your hands, and touching contaminated surfaces. Even touching other people’s hands after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing can transmit these germs.
Wash your hands properly
There is no secret to ensuring hand hygiene. The process involves some simple but important steps. First, wet your hands with clean running water. Then, apply enough soap to cover the entire surface of your hands and rub them vigorously for at least 20 seconds, making sure all areas are clean. Don’t forget to massage your wrists too. Afterwards, rinse your hands well with running water to completely remove soap and germs. Finally, dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towels.
Function of gloves and alcohol gel
The infectologist explains that this is correct sanitation services of the hands before using gloves, and that one thing does not replace the other. The alcoholic gel, on the other hand, should only be used in cases where it is not possible to wash with soap and water. It also clarifies that it is not necessary to apply alcohol gel on your hands after washing them. “One of the two is enough. Another myth is that antibacterial soaps are more effective than common ones”, demystifies Dr. Felipe Moreno.
Post-pandemic lessons
During the COVID-19 pandemic, hand hygiene was an often discussed topic, as it was one of the main ways to prevent infection. spread of the virus. According to the doctor, it is noteworthy that, after the pandemic, many people no longer take as much care with hand hygiene as before. “Not only Covid-19, but also other diseases have seen their incidence rates decrease with greater adherence to hygiene. But the same rates increase when adherence worsens,” concludes the expert.
By Giuliana Moreno
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
