Good Health: Doctor Reveals the 'Super Weapon' to Ward Off Infectious Diseases—Whether It's the Flu or Corona, It Will Be Kept at Bay..
Various types of infectious diseases on the rise globally continue to pose a serious threat to public health. Numerous illnesses caused by viral, bacterial, and fungal infections claim the lives of millions of people every year. Over the past decade, we have witnessed many examples of this. Whether it be the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nipah virus, new strains of influenza, or diseases like Monkeypox, all of these have placed immense additional pressure on healthcare services.
When it comes to viral and respiratory infections, experts consider regular hand hygiene to be the most effective and powerful weapon at our disposal. Be it the flu, coronavirus, food poisoning, or diarrhea, poor hand hygiene can play a significant role in the transmission of all these diseases.
Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for just 20 seconds—several times a day—or using a hand sanitizer can be instrumental in protecting you from the risk of various illnesses.
**Practice Hand Hygiene to Prevent Infectious Diseases**
Numerous studies have conclusively proven that our hands serve as the primary medium for spreading infections.
Throughout the day, often without even realizing it, we touch hundreds of surfaces—such as door handles, mobile phones, currency, and objects in public spaces.
We then use those very hands to touch our face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
This seemingly minor habit can allow dangerous viruses and bacteria to enter our bodies directly.
Every year on May 5th, World Hand Hygiene Day is observed to educate and raise awareness among people regarding the benefits of maintaining hand hygiene. This year's theme is "Action Saves Lives"—highlighting a simple habit that has the potential to save millions of lives.
**Prioritize Hand Hygiene**
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that consistently and correctly maintaining hand hygiene can be highly effective in protecting individuals from the risks associated with various viral and antimicrobial infections. Dr. Utkarsh Nigam explains that hand hygiene plays a crucial role in breaking the chain of infection.
When we wash our hands with soap or clean them with a sanitizer, the risk of the virus entering the body is significantly reduced.
Furthermore, washing hands removes bacteria adhering to the skin, thereby lowering the risk of food poisoning and skin infections.
According to UNICEF, if everyone were to wash their hands properly, the lives of millions of children could be saved every year from diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia.
**Which diseases does it prevent?**
Hand hygiene is not limited merely to preventing infections; it offers numerous other health benefits as well.
It helps reduce digestive ailments, as most bacteria enter the body through food and the hands.
In many cases of diarrhea, a lack of proper hand hygiene can be a major contributing factor.
Hand hygiene also helps minimize the incidence of skin and eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, as well as allergic reactions.
**Points to Keep in Mind**
Doctors advise that, even if you are not sick, you should still thoroughly clean your hands several times throughout the day.
Apply soap to your hands and vigorously scrub your palms, fingers, the areas under your fingernails, and your thumbs. Rinse with water and dry with a clean towel.
A hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol may also be used.
Hand hygiene becomes even more critical before eating, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, and upon returning home from outdoors.