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Why handwashing is so important and effective
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says handwashing is an important step in staying healthy all year long , and especially during the winter when conditions are ripe for the spread of disease . Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean running water . The CDC says that , in addition to the viruses mentioned above , people can become ill from exposure to even small amounts of feces from people or animals , which can contain Salmonella , E . coli and norovirus . It also may spread some respiratory infections like adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease . These germs can get onto hands after people use the toilet or change a diaper , but also after handling raw meats that have minute amounts of animal feces on them .
The Cleveland Clinic advises that a person can prevent one in three illnesses that cause diarrhea and one in five respiratory infections simply by keeping hands clean . Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to objects like tabletops , door handles and even foods and beverages , which underscores the significance of handwashing .
Winter is historically marked by an increase in people getting sick . That ’ s because certain conditions common to winter can make it easier for infectious agents to spread . Handwashing becomes even more essential as winter rears its chilly head .
Northwestern Medicine says the body is not as effective at fighting a virus when cold air enters the nose and upper airways . That means the flu , common cold and even COVID-19 can spread more easily in the winter . Also , people tend to huddle indoors where it is warm when the mercury outside drops . That puts people in closer contact with others who may be harboring these viruses or other infectious diseases in their bodies . Individuals often get less exposure to sunlight during the winter , which can adversely affect their natural production of vitamin D . Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a weakened immune system , which can make fighting illnesses more difficult .
The best way to wash hands involves some easy steps . 1 . You should wash your hands frequently , and especially after using the toilet ; changing diapers ; before , during and after preparing food ; before eating ; before touching your nose , eyes or mouth ( including handling dentures or orthodontic aligners ); after sneezing , coughing or blowing your nose ; and when you arrive home from shopping or being in high-traffic public areas . 2 . Wet your hands with clean , running water and use soap if it is available . Any soap will do . Antibacterial products are not essential . 3 . Lather up for about 20 seconds , says Nemours KidsHealth , and make sure to get in between fingers , on the back of hands and under the nails where germs like to linger . Don ’ t forget to also wash the wrists . 4 . If possible , remove rings and watches before washing hands , or try to at least move the rings to wash under them . 5 . Rinse hands well under running water to remove all traces of soap . 6 . Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them . It is best to use paper towels or a single-use cloth towel . 7 . Use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door in public restrooms . People at home should routinely wipe down faucets and handles with cleansing products to remove germs from these high-touch points . Frequent laundering of towels also can be effective . n
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