Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important

steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases
and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.
If clean, running water is not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world,
use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-
based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.

When should you wash your hands?

 Before, during, and after preparing food

 Before eating food
 Before and after caring for someone who is sick
 Before and after treating a cut or wound
 After using the toilet
 After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
 After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
 After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
 After handling pet food or pet treats
 After touching garbage

How should you wash your hands?

 Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap,
and apply soap.
 Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather
the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
 Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy
Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
 Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
 Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

What should you do if you don’t have soap and clean, running water?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs
on them in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based
hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can
quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do
not eliminate all types of germs and might not remove harmful chemicals.

Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

How do you use hand sanitizers?

 Apply the product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct
amount).
 Rub your hands together.
BENEFIT OF HAND WASHING

 Hand washing reduces the risk of diarrhea and abdominal pain

Hand washing will reduce the risk of diarrhea and intestinal disorders
significantly, especially in children. Diaere pain is the highest cause of death
in children under 5 years worldwide. Hand washing with soap can prevent
this disease, including preventing intestinal worms.

 Hand washing prevents eye infections

Spread of bacteria that can infect the eyes, such as trachoma, can be
overcome by washing hands regularly. Hand washing is effective for eye
pain (red eye). These conditions can cause irritation, sore, itchy, and watery
eyes. Such infections can spread in many ways, but the most common is
through viruses.

 Prevent various eye infections by washing hands with soap, especially if you
are a contact lens user.

 Hand washing can prevent respiratory tract infectionsThe pathogens that are
the main causes of acute respiratory infections are very common in the
fingers and palms. You can reduce the risk of this respiratory infection by
diligently washing hands.

 Hand washing can prevent various diseases

Unclean hands can be the path of disease into the body. Proper handwashing
can protect against some infectious diseases such as colds, flu, diarrhea, to
hepatitis A, and meningitis.

Danger Of Not Washing Hands

Risk of Amoebiasis Infection

The risk of amoebiasis infection is a type of illness that can be caused by not
washing hands before eating. This disease will cause the patient to experience
dysentery. The type of amoeba that causes this infection belongs to the Entamoeba
histolitica class. This infection not only attacks the digestive tract but also various
other organs. Therefore, this infection quickly develops in the body and requires
emergency care. Washing hands before eating can prevent more dangerous
conditions.

Risk of respiratory inflammation

People who have a habit of not washing hands before eating can also get
inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract. This disease can cause shortness of
breath, cough, flu and sore throat. This disease can spread through bacteria or
viruses that enter the body through food. When bacteria or infectious sources come
into contact with the mucus in the throat, the source of the infection will develop in
that place. Then it will cause a decline in the immune system and make the patient
easy to get sick.

Sources of diseases such as bacteria or viruses may not be visible to the eye directly.
The source of the infection may come from food, environment or dirty hands when
eating. To overcome these various hazards then get used to always wash hands
before eating. You can try to do a proper and sterile handwashing way to be
completely clean and not at risk of disease.

Poisoning Salmonella Bacteria

If you often eat without washing hands it can be infected with salmonella bacteria.
These bacteria can spread directly from various places. This potential can also be
caused by eating raw vegetables without being washed. Eggs of salmonella bacteria
will move from food or hands into the digestive tract. These bacteria can live in the
intestines and other digestive tracts. Signs of salmonella bacterial poisoning are like
diarrhea, abdominal pain, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting. To prevent it from
getting too severe then get a doctor's help.

E. Colli Bacteria Toxicity

E. colli bacteria poisoning can also occur if you eat without washing hands. These
bacteria can come from public places such as toilets. For example, if you eat after
using a public toilet without washing your hands, then E.colli bacteria eggs can enter
the digestive tract directly. This poisoning can cause very severe diarrhea, stomach
cramps, severe abdominal pain and if not treated promptly then it can lead to kidney
failure. (read also: danger of kidney failure - symptoms and prevention)

Risks of Flu or Cold Infection

Infected flu or a cold becomes the most common risk. This transmission occurs
when you have just used public facilities or come into contact with others. Then
when you eat directly it can cause the virus to immediately change hands. The virus
will spread very quickly, not only enter the body but also move through the
respiratory tract.

Infected with Throat Infection

If you have a habit of not washing your hands before eating, then it can cause a
throat infection. This happens when there are many bacteria that are already attached
to the hand then spread to the digestive tract. Food that enter
s the larynx will be directly related to mucus. Then the bacteria will stay in the
mucus section and grow rapidly. This condition can cause sore throat and worse
infection.