what is the correct first step in handwashing?

The Correct First Step in Handwashing

Human beings rely on their hands for various activities, so it is easy for various bacteria to remain on their hands. If we do not wash our hands frequently, the bacteria on our hands may invade the human body through actions such as rubbing our eyes, nose, or eating, causing various diseases, such as Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that often exists on the surface of the skin, can reduce the chance of invading the human body by washing hands.

But can you imagine that about 200 years ago, people didn’t actually wash their hands? This article will take you to understand the importance of hand washing, the development of hand washing in history, and the establishment of a correct hygiene concept has gone through many tests!

Handwashing is the oldest, simplest and cheapest measure to prevent the spread of diseases. Hands, invisibly, carry a large number of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and fungi. These are transmitted by contact with someone who is sick or carrying a disease. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands correctly with soap and water at key moments: before cooking or preparing food, before eating and after going to the bathroom or cleaning a baby.

According to information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), frequent handwashing can reduce the incidence of diarrhea by 23-40% and reduce the incidence of respiratory diseases by 16-20% in people with weak immune systems. This shows that frequent handwashing is an important factor in maintaining health. The only way to live a healthy life.

Now that the epidemic has not yet ended, in the face of the new coronavirus without a vaccine, frequent hand washing is of great benefit and no harm. Remember to use the 7-character hand washing formula, inside, outside, pinch, bow, big, upright, wrist, to thoroughly clean hands.

Before the vaccine for COVID-19 (full name novel coronavirus pneumonia, commonly known as Wuhan pneumonia) has been successfully developed, all we can do is to prevent the virus from invading the body as much as possible. In addition to wearing masks to prevent the virus from entering the respiratory tract, washing hands will prevent the virus from being introduced into the mucous membranes of the eyes, nostrils or mouth when touching the cheek.

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But can you imagine that about 200 years ago, people didn’t actually wash their hands? This article will take you to understand the importance of hand washing, the development of hand washing in history, and the establishment of a correct hygiene concept has gone through many tests!

Why is it so important to wash your hands?

Handwashing has always been the best way to avoid getting sick. But with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, handwashing is more important than ever.

Coronavirus spreads easily. Handwashing prevents the spread of germs, including coronavirus.

When you wash your hands, you protect yourself from germs. You also protect people in your family. And in the case of coronavirus, when you stop the spread of germs in your home, you also protect people in your community.

So, don't underestimate the importance of washing your hands! It's one of the best things you can do to help yourself and others.

Hand Washing and Children Health

UNICEF Health and Early Childhood Development explains that “if we do not wash our hands properly, we run the risk of transmitting or contracting various diseases. It is not necessary to use warm or hot water, cold or natural water is enough. After washing, it is important to dry your hands well because germs spread more easily from wet skin than from dry skin, so it is better to dry your hands completely, preferably with disposable paper towels.”

With frequent and effective handwashing, we can avoid the spread of diseases that are contracted by direct contact, whether respiratory (coronavirus, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus), but also digestive diseases (diarrhea, hepatitis, rotavirus) and skin and mucous membrane diseases (impetigo, conjunctivitis).

Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of diarrhea and respiratory infections, diseases that can be easily prevented with a little soap and water.

The Early Childhood Health and Development Officer comments that it is very important to teach children the importance of washing their hands at regular times, or related to routines, so that they acquire the habit. “You can make it easier for children to wash their hands by placing a floor so that they can reach the water and soap themselves. You can make it a fun time by singing their favorite songs while you help them rub or dry their hands.” It is important that preschool children learn by imitation, so it is good practice to wash with them. Then, at school age, it is important that the washing technique is supervised and reinforced, in order to maintain an adequate washing technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if you don't have soap and water? Waterless hand sanitizers or scrubs are also a good alternative. They come in liquid, wipe, or spray form. You can buy small containers to keep in your backpack, car, locker, purse, or gym bag.

How does having clean hands help?

Proper handwashing is the first line of defense against the spread of many diseases, including coronavirus (COVID-19). It also helps protect you from the common cold or flu to more serious illnesses, such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and many types of diarrhea.

How do germs spread?

Germs can spread in many different ways, such as:

by touching dirty hands

by changing diapers

through contaminated water or food

through droplets expelled into the air during coughing or sneezing

through contaminated surfaces

through contact with bodily fluids from a sick person

When you come into contact with germs, you can become infected just by touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

How to wash your hands correctly?

Step 1: Wet your hands with running water

Step 2: Apply enough soap to cover wet hands

Step 3: Rub all surfaces of your hands, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails, for at least 20 seconds.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with running water

Step 5: Dry your hands with a paper towel, or a single-use towel.

How long should I wash my hands?

Hands should be washed for 20-30 seconds. An easy way to time yourself is by singing the entire Happy Birthday song, twice.

When should I wash my hands to prevent the spread of Covid-19?

To stop the spread of germs, make handwashing a regular habit. It's especially important to practice it:

After blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or handling your mask.

After visiting a public space, including public transportation, shopping malls, and places of worship.

After touching surfaces outside the home, including money.

Before, during, and after caring for someone who is sick.

Before and after eating.

When should I wash my hands?

Before preparing food

Before and after eating.

After using the bathroom.

After handling trash.

After touching animals and pets.

After changing a baby's diaper or helping children use the bathroom.

Before and after caring for someone in your home who is vomiting or has diarrhea.

Before and after treating a cut or wound.

After using public transportation.

After touching an item or surface that other people might touch frequently (door handles, tables, shopping carts, screens, or ATM machines).

When your hands are visibly dirty.