All the time, every day, the hands are in contact with many surfaces and can be the ideal transport of virus, bacteria and microorganisms that are the cause of diseases such as flu, COVID-19, Diarrhea and other more serious infections. “Washing your hands properly reduces the risk of diarrheal and respiratory diseases by up to 50%. It is a simple and effective way to protect our health and that of those around us,” says doctor Daniel Navichoque, who also insists on The importance of washing your hands frequently, but also doing it correctly.
In Guatemala, says the expert, where respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases are still challenges for the health of the population, hand washing is a simple, economical and powerful tool to protect families. It is important to highlight that this does not require special resources, only constancy, a good technique and follow the preventive measures of health professionals.
An error that affects health
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Hand washing must last at least 20 seconds. It is ideal to take the necessary time to eliminate the greatest amount of microorganisms present in palms, fingers, nails and dolls. However, one of the most common mistakes, says Navichoque, is not to spend enough time to do so.
This can be one of the reasons why diseases spread easily.
Another of the mistakes is not to do so frequently during the day, since at all times people are in contact with bacteria and germs. Hand washing should always be done:
- Before eating or preparing food. It must be constant primarily during the preparation of food.
- After going to the bathroom.
- After coughing, sneezing or playing the nose.
- Before and after attending to a baby or a sick person.
- After touching money, public transport or common use surfaces.
- After playing with pets or cleaning their areas and waste.
In each wash it is necessary to use soap and water in adequate quantities, since not doing so reduces effectiveness. It is also essential to rub all areas of the hand, that is, back, palms, nails, fingers and dolls.
Common soap is sufficient and effective to eliminate most germs, provided it is used with good washing technique. However, liquid soap is recommended in public places, since it is more hygienic than bar soap. If you do not have available soap and soap, you can use gel alcohol with at least 60% alcohol, but only as a temporary alternative.
Once the washing is done, it is necessary to dry with clean towels. Another of the most frequent errors is to use dirty towels or, in the worst case, not dry at all, which can favor the proliferation of bacteria.
Steps to wash your hands
A good hand washing, according to WHO, implies the following steps:
- Get your hands with clean water.
- Apply enough soap and rub trying to create abundant foam in all areas for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse well, removing every trace of dirt and foam.
- Dry with clean or air towel. Never with clothes.
- Close the tap with the towel so as not to contaminate again