How to wash your hands correctly? Find out how to do it correctly to eliminate germs and prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Now that we are at the gates of the beginning of winter, and that ultimately as the weeks go by there tend to be more cases of colds, flu and flu, there is no doubt that it is essential to attend to those healthy habits that give us the possibility of protecting ourselves against the most common infectious diseases at this time of year.
And it is that both during the autumn and winter months, did you know that the cases of flu and colds tend to increase surprisingly? The main cause is found in the cold and humid environment that viruses need to survive better; hence the cases occur practically throughout these two seasons.
Among the most advisable habits we can mention washing our hands correctly, since we must forget something fundamental: germs such as bacteria and viruses are transmitted especially by contact with dirty hands, for example through contaminated surfaces, through bodily fluids from a sick person, through droplets expelled during a sneeze or cough, or through contaminated food and water.
For this reason, we can say that washing your hands correctly becomes a first line of defense against the spread of a good number of diseases, among which we can highlight: flu and common colds, bronchiolitis, hepatitis A and infectious diarrhea.
How to wash your hands correctly, step by step:
Actually washing your hands is extremely simple, but you only need to know how to do it correctly and do it regularly, becoming in fact a hygiene routine rather than an obligation:
- Wash your hands with hot water, but without preventing it from burning you.
- Use soap and rub your hands together vigorously for 20 seconds. It is not entirely necessary that you use antibacterial soap, one of those that became so fashionable with the arrival of influenza A.
It is very important that you make sure that you wash well under your nails and the area between your fingers.
- Rinse your hands, and dry them well with the help of a clean, dry towel or cloth.
When to wash your hands
It is important that you try to wash your hands with some frequency. However, there are some times when it is more advisable to do so. For example:
- Before eating.
- Before cooking.
- After going to the bathroom.
- After having come from the street.
- After touching animals.
- After visiting, caring for, or talking to sick family or friends.
- After having blown our nose, after having sneezed or coughed.
On this occasion it is equally essential to remember that whenever you cough or sneeze, in case you do not have tissues at hand, always do it into your arm or elbow instead of doing it on your hands. This way you will prevent the spread of germs.
