You just sneezed carefully into your crooked elbow so as not to spread germs. But you did not wash your hands because you were not near a sink with soap and water. Next, you picked up a telephone and called a colleague. You may have just contaminated everywhere in between the sneeze and the telephone because you did not wash your hands.
Significance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, 30 percent of individuals do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. This means you can catch the flu or other diseases simply by touching a door knob, computer mouse, telephone or grocery cart that was infected by someone who did not wash his hands. In Canada, it is expected that 10 to 25 percent of the population will get the flu in 2010, which could result in 500 to 1,500 deaths.
Considerations
The number of people who may die each year from flu and other infectious diseases could be reduced if everyone washed his hands, according to the CDC. If you do not have access to soap and water, you can still clean your hands by using a hand sanitizer product.
Proper Hand Washing
It is essential that health care professionals carefully wash their hands because they work with individuals who are already ill. The World Health Organization's "Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care" is important to review even if you are not a health care worker. Wash your hands in warm water for at least 15 seconds. Most people don't wash long enough and use soap of any kind. It is important to rub your hands together vigorously because the friction between your hands helps remove the germs. Be sure to pay attention to cleaning between your fingers and under your fingernails. Use a clean, dry towel, and hang the towel up properly to dry. If you are in a public restroom, use a paper towel to turn off the taps and open the door.
Hand Sanitizers
According to the World Health Association, or WHO, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective against certain types of bacteria known as gram positive and gram negative, but they have almost no effectiveness against certain spores or protozoan viruses. Alcohol-based sanitizers need to be at least 60 to 70 percent alcohol to be effective in killing herpes simplex, HIV, influenza, RSV, hepatitis B and C viruses. In addition to an active ingredient of alcohol, hand sanitizers may contains small amounts of hexachlorophene, quaternary ammonium compounds, povidone-iodine, or triclosan.
Expert Insight
The WHO reviewed clinical studies which revealed that hand sanitizers are more effective in removing organisms, require less time to use and cause less skin irritation than hand washing. Both hand washing and use of hand sanitizers can result in dry skin and irritation. If you clean your hands frequently, it is suggested to use either a moisturizing soap or a hand sanitizer with a humectant or chemical that helps to reduce skin irritation. If you are allergic to alcohol or other chemicals in hand sanitizers, it is suggested to avoid their use. Read the labels carefully before you buy a product. Some hand cleaners with strong fragrance can also result in allergic reactions.
Whether you choose to wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizers, be a consistent user to help avoid the spread of germs to protect your health and the health of your family.
