Feces (poop) from people or animals is an important source of germs like Salmonella, E. coli O157, and norovirus that cause diarrhea, and it can spread some respiratory infections like adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease. These kinds of germs can get onto hands after people use the toilet or change a diaper, but also in less obvious ways, like after handling raw meats that have invisible amounts of animal poop on them. A single gram of human feces—which is about the weight of a paper clip—can contain one trillion germs 1. Germs can also get onto hands if people touch any object that has germs on it because someone coughed or sneezed on it or was touched by some other contaminated object. When these germs get onto hands and are not washed off, they can be passed from person to person and make people sick. Show Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because:
Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community:
Preventing sickness reduces the amount of antibiotics people use and the likelihood that antibiotic resistance will develop. Handwashing can prevent about 30% of diarrhea-related sicknesses and about 20% of respiratory infections (e.g., colds) 2, 5. Antibiotics often are prescribed unnecessarily for these health issues 14. Reducing the number of these infections by washing hands frequently helps prevent the overuse of antibiotics—the single most important factor leading to antibiotic resistance around the world. Handwashing can also prevent people from getting sick with germs that are already resistant to antibiotics and that can be difficult to treat. Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy. How Germs SpreadWashing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people when you:
Key Times to Wash HandsYou can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right WayWashing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can help stop germs from spreading from one person to another and in our communities—including your home, workplace, schools, and childcare facilities. Follow these five steps every time.
Why? Read the science behind the recommendations. Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and WaterWashing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label. Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,
How to Use Hand Sanitizer
Which is the most important aspect of hand washing?Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because: People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
What is the importance of performing hand washing?Washing your hands with soap removes germs from hands and helps prevent infection. People frequently touch their face — eyes, nose, mouth — without even realizing it. Germs can easily enter the body through touching your face, so having clean hands is important!
What are the main components of hand washing?Three components:. Warm water.. Friction.. |