Possible Diseases From Not Washing Hands
We've all observed people exiting the restroom after flipping their fingertips under running water for a second or two, thinking that should do the trick? Viruses and bacteria can live two hours (and longer) on doorknobs, keyboards, telephones and other surfaces that we touch. Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases to both yourself and your loved ones.
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The Facts
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Many diseases (such as the common cold) are spread through the air. Sneezing without covering the mouth and nose can project bacteria-laden droplets at a speed of 103 miles per hour according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Reduce your risk of contracting illnesses by washing your hands after coughing or sneezing, and after shaking or holding the hand of anyone who has been coughing or sneezing. Hands contaminated with bacteria from urine, saliva, mucous and feces can easily spread influenza, streptococcus, staphylococcus and other viruses.
Types of Bacteria
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Salmonellosis, hepatitis A, giardiasis, amebiasis, enterovirus, and shigellosis can be easily spread to food, beverages or directly to your mouth when even minute particles of fecal matter remain on your fingertips. Washing hands thoroughly with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing pet boxes, or changing a diaper is mandatory.
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Special Dangers for Children
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Small children place everything in their mouths, and saliva is a perfect breeding ground for many dangerous microorganisms. Teaching children personal hygiene should include being taught to wash their hands before eating, after playing outside, after using the bathroom, after playing with pets, and after blowing their noses. Youngsters need to know that even if their hands LOOK clean, they may still carry yucky things capable of making them sick.
Proper Hand-Washing Technique
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(1) Wet your hands with warm running water;
(2) Add liquid soap, then rub your hands together to make a lather. Do this away from the running water for at least 15 seconds, being careful not to let the water wash the soap away prematurely. Wash both the front and back of your hands, between the fingers and underneath the nails.
(3) Rinse your hands well under warm running water, allowing the water to run down the drain.
(4) Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel, turning water off with a clean paper towel. Dispose of towel in a wastepaper basket.
(5) If in a public rest room, use a clean paper towel to open the door, disposing of towel in a wastebasket in the exterior of the rest room.
Expert Insight
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One way to prevent the spread of germs among children and adults is to encourage everyone to wash their hands with soap and warm water, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga. For those times when using soap and water isn't feasible, have disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers handy. Sanitizing foams and gel are best used on visibly clean hands, and rubbed until hands are dry. Also avoid sharing towels, razors, toothbrushes, beverages, lipsticks, eye makeup, or any other personal item that can spread infection.
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References
- Photo Credit IStockPhoto.Com
