Researchers predict that if everyone routinely washed their hands, 1 million deaths a year could be prevented (CDC, 2022).
Keeping hands clean helps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Diseases such as diarrhea, eye infections, flu, COVID-19 can be spread by contaminated hands that have not been washed with soap and clean, running water.
Wash your hands with soap and clean running water. Carry portable alcohol based sanitizer for cleaning hands in places or situations where there is no hand washing facility.
Critical times to wash hands
Washing one’s hands frequently is advised by the WHO, especially during these critical times when one is more prone to contract an infection and transfer germs:
- Before, during, and after cooking food.
- Before and after eating food.
- Before and after caring for a sick family member at home.
- Before and after cleaning and dressing a wound.
- After using the toilet.
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
- After touching garbage.
- After touching money/cash.
By Kairos Healthcare
Reviewed by Dr. Alex Mayanja
One Comment
Bridget Mwanje
Thanks for the serving the nation with quality health care.