Hands spread infections. Serious consequences can result when unclean hands are not washed. It is necessary to wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom, coughing, sneezing or blowing the nose, changing a diaper, before and after caring for someone who is ill, before eating or preparing food and after cleaning up animal waste and touching garbage. An alcohol-based gel cleanser or soap and water are both effective methods of cleaning the hands, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Nosocomial Infections
Infections that are acquired in hospitals and other health facilities are known as nosocomial infections. In the U.S., approximately 90,000 patients die every year from these infections, says the July-August 2005 issue of "Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology." Lack of necessary handwashing by health facility employees is cited as the major cause of nosocomial infections. It is estimated that proper hand washing by doctors, nurses and other health care workers would reduce these deadly infections by 40 percent, explains an article in the October 2009 journal "Deutsches Ärzteblatt International."
Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called the stomach flu, is a contagious viral infection that causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and watery diarrhea result from infection with germs such as noroviruses and rotoviruses. Food preparers infected with viral gastroenteritis spread the infection to others by contaminating food and beverages with their unwashed hands, according to the CDC. Shellfish contaminated by sewage and close contact with infected people also spread viral gastroenteritis. Although most people recover fully, dehydration and death can result for infants, young children and persons who are elderly or have a weakened immune system.
Colds and Flu
Colds and flu are spread by droplets in the air from the coughs and sneezes of infected people. The droplets cause illness when they are inhaled by others, or when they land on surfaces. When others touch the contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, railings, computer keyboards, phones and pens, and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth, infection can result. Bacteria and viruses can live for two hours or longer on contaminated surface, the CDC says. To prevent colds and flu, hands should be washed frequently. People who are infected should cover their mouths and noses with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then wash their hands afterward.
References
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Stopping Germs at Home, Work and School
- "Deutsches Ärzteblatt International": Hand Hygiene for the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections
- Amednews: American Medical News: Only 77% Wash Hands After Using The Toilet
- What Do Central Venous Catheter-Associated Bloodstream Infections Have To Do With Bundles?
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Viral Gastroenteritis
