Global Hand Washing Day is celebrated each year to raise awareness about how important this simple habit is in preventing the spread of intestinal and respiratory diseases, particularly diarrhea and the common cold.
Our hands act as powerful carriers of germs, easily transmitting them from one person to another through handshakes or by touching contaminated objects. Among all, healthcare workers are the most exposed to microbes due to their frequent patient contact.
To mark this important day, schools organize various activities to promote awareness. Students practice the correct handwashing techniques, while teachers explain the vital role of hand hygiene in staying healthy and preventing infections.
WHEN SHOULD HANDS BE WASHED
To begin with, children should be encouraged to wash their hands regularly with soap and water. This habit effectively removes dirt and germs. However, it’s important not to use a towel immediately after washing, especially before eating. The reason is simple when hands are dried with a towel, germs from the fabric can transfer back to the skin and then enter the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing diseases.
Furthermore, after finishing a meal, wash your hands again. This helps remove oil or grease, which can serve as a perfect breeding ground for microbes. Interestingly, this method of washing hands aligns with the Sunnah (practice) of our beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him), highlighting both its physical and spiritual significance.
Moreover, children should always wash their hands after using the toilet, as this helps stop the fecal-oral transmission of germs. Encourage them to do the same after playing games, and also before and after cooking food.
Additionally, when you blow your nose, sneeze, or cough, germs can stick to your hands and easily spread to others if proper hygiene is not maintained.
IMPORTANCE OF HAND HYGIENE
Consistent hand hygiene brings benefits in every setting.
• At school, it helps prevent infections that could cause students to miss classes.
• At home, it keeps families healthy, reducing the chances of illness.
• At work, it ensures productivity by preventing unnecessary sick days.
Through regular handwashing, harmful bacteria and viruses are washed away, thereby preventing both fecal-oral transmission and seasonal flu or cold infections.
IMPORTANCE OF HAND HYGIENE FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS
In addition to the general public, healthcare workers must be especially vigilant about hand hygiene. Although they wear gloves during procedures, it’s equally essential to wash hands properly for at least 20 seconds to ensure complete removal of contaminants.
In hospital settings, hand sanitizers are the most effective alternative when soap and water are not readily available. They kill most bacteria on the hands. However, they are not effective against Clostridium difficile a bacterium responsible for certain types of diarrhea.
TECHNIQUE FOR HAND WASHING
To wash hands effectively, follow these seven simple steps:
1. Wet your hands with clean water.
2. Apply enough soap and rub palms together.
3. Rub the back of both hands.
4. Interlink your fingers to clean between them.
5. Cup your fingers and rub them together.
6. Clean your thumbs thoroughly.
7. Finally, rub your palms with your fingertips and rinse well with water.
Following these steps ensures that every part of the hand is cleaned properly, leaving no space for germs to hide.
WHAT TO DO WHEN WATER IS NOT AVAILABLE
Sometimes, water may not be available in such cases, hand sanitizer becomes the best option.
It is portable, easy to carry, and convenient for travel or outdoor activities. Always ensure that the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol for it to be effective against most germs.
TYPES OF SKIN FLORA
Interestingly, our skin naturally hosts two main types of microbes:
1. Resident (Normal) Flora:
These are harmless microorganisms present on the outermost layer of the skin — the epidermis. They are nonpathogenic and beneficial because they prevent the colonization of harmful bacteria.
2. Transient Flora:
These are temporary microbes that can cause infections. However, the good news is that they can be easily removed through proper handwashing.
ARE ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS MORE EFFECTIVE THAN SOAP AND WATER?
In recent years, many products containing antibacterial agents such as soaps, sanitizers, lotions, and sprays have flooded the market. But are they truly more effective?
In reality, there is no strong scientific evidence showing that antibacterial soaps prevent illness better than regular soap and water. Antibacterial soaps kill both beneficial (nonpathogenic) and harmful (pathogenic) bacteria because they are non-selective in action.
Moreover, antibacterial soaps are more expensive and do not work against viruses responsible for common colds and flu. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled them a “threat to global health security” because they can promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, undermining global efforts to control infections.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while antibacterial soaps may sound appealing, plain soap and water remain the safest, most effective, and most affordable method for maintaining hand hygiene.
Let’s follow the theme of this year “Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene.”
Through collective awareness and consistent handwashing practices, we can minimize the risk of diseases, protect our communities, and promote a healthier world.
FAQs
1. Can antibacterial soaps kill viruses like the flu or coronavirus?
No. Antibacterial soaps target bacteria, not viruses. Regular soap and water are still the most effective in removing both bacteria and viruses through mechanical action.
2. How long should we wash our hands?
At least 20 seconds about the time it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
3. Is hand sanitizer better than soap and water?
Soap and water are preferred whenever available. Sanitizers are a good alternative when water is unavailable, but they should contain at least 60% alcohol.
4. Why are antibacterial soaps considered a global health threat?
Their widespread use can promote antibiotic resistance, making it harder to treat bacterial infections in the future.
5. What’s the best way to encourage children to wash hands?
Make it fun teach them through rhymes, games, or demonstrations, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
DISCLAIMER
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always follow official health guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding hygiene practices.
CALL TO ACTION
Join the movement this Global Handwashing Day!
Practice and promote hand hygiene at home, in schools, and workplaces.
Share this message because clean hands save lives.
REFERENCES
1. World Health Organization (WHO). Clean Hands Protect Against Infection. 2023.
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hand Hygiene Recommendations. Updated 2024.
3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Antibacterial Soap? You Can Skip It, Use Plain Soap and Water. 2022. 4. Global Handwashing Partnership. Global Handwashing Day: Unite for Universal Hand Hygiene. 2024.
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