Proper
hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of viruses and
bacteria. “Germs” can be transferred to
others by casual contact or you can infect yourself by touching your eyes,
nose, or mouth. Unfortunately, most of
us do not practice good hand washing technique, nor do we wash our hands often
enough. Running our hands under water
for a couple of seconds does not constitute good practice. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, here’s what does:
- Wet your
hands with warm running water.
- Add soap,
and then rub your hands together, making a soapy lather. Do this away from
the running water for at least 15 seconds, being careful not to wash the
lather away. Wash the front and back of your hands, as well as between your
fingers and under your nails.
- Rinse
your hands well under warm running water.
- Pat hands
dry with a paper towel or air dryer.
- Turn off
water using same paper towel and dispose in a proper receptacle.
While
it is true that soap does not actually kill the “germs”, it pulls the dirt and
oils (where “germs” reside) from your skin and creates a slippery surface so
the “germs” can slide off.
Listed below are some common situations where people
can pick up “germs” and should wash their hands:
- When
hands appear dirty
- Before
and after preparing food or drink
- Before
and after eating
- After
using the washroom
- After
blowing your nose, or using your hand to cover a sneeze/cough
- Before
and after visiting or caring for those who are sick
- After
petting animals
Any
type of plain soap can be used. It is
best to avoid heavily perfumed soaps due to the prevalence of chemical
sensitivities among many people. If bar
soap is being used, place it on a dish that allows for draining.
To
avoid more germs after you wash you hands:
- Do not
use a common hand towel in public settings. Always use disposable towels or air
dryers.
- At home,
wash hand towels weekly. Hang them
up instead of leaving them on the basin.
Viruses thrive on moist surfaces.
- Wash
hands under running water, not in a standing basin of water.
- In a
public washroom, use a disposable towel to open the door.
What
about alcohol gels and antibacterial soap?
- Alcohol
is more effective at killing bacteria than viruses
- Using
alcohol gel alone is much less effective than properly washing your hands.
- Antibacterial
soaps and gels do not kill viruses (which are responsible for colds and
flu.)
- We need
to be exposed to “germs” as “exercise” for our immune systems. Bacteria-free environments are not
healthier. Children who are not
exposed to “germs” often develop more serious respiratory disorders and
allergies.
- Antibacterial
soaps cannot distinguish between healthy and harmful bacteria. It kills all bacteria. Washing away the good bacteria weakens
our immunity and makes it easier for “bad bacteria” to invade the body.