Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections and maintain personal and public health. Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, picking up germs that can easily enter the body when we touch our face, eat, or handle food. Proper hand hygiene involves either washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses. This is especially important after using the restroom, before eating, after coughing or sneezing, and after handling waste or raw food. When soap and water are not available, a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is a useful alternative.
Healthcare workers must follow strict hand hygiene protocols to protect patients and themselves from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In everyday life, encouraging children and adults to practice good hand hygiene builds a healthy habit that significantly reduces the risk of common illnesses such as colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections.
Hand hygiene is a simple, low-cost measure that has a high impact. Promoting it in homes, schools, and workplaces is essential for a healthier, safer environment for all.