How to wash your hands correctly to eliminate germs (bacteria and viruses)

Now that we are on the verge of the beginning of winter, and that ultimately as the weeks go by tend ultimately to account for more cases of colds, flu and colds, there is no doubt that it is essential to address those healthy habits that give us the possibility of protecting ourselves against the most common infectious diseases of this time of year.

And is that both during the months of autumn and winter, 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 in order to survive better, hence the cases occur virtually throughout these two seasons.

Among the most advisable habits we can mention the wash your hands correctly, since we must forget something fundamental: Germs such as bacteria and viruses are transmitted especially to contact with dirty hands, for example through contaminated surfaces, through the body fluids of a sick person, through droplets expelled during a sneeze or cough, or through contaminated water and food.

Therefore, we can say that washing your hands correctly becomes afirst line of defense against the spread of a good number of diseases, among which we can highlight: common colds and flu, bronchiolitis, hepatitis A and infectious diarrhea.

How to wash your hands correctly, step by step

Actually wash your hands is very simple, but you only need to know how to do it correctly and do it on a regular basis, becoming in fact a hygiene routine rather than an obligation:

  1. Wash your hands with hot water, but without preventing you from burning yourself.
  2. Use soap and rub your hands vigorously for 20 seconds. It is not absolutely necessary to use antibacterial soap of those that became so fashionable with the arrival of theflu A.

    It is very important that you make sure that you wash well under the nails and the area between your fingers.

  3. Rinse your hands, and dry them thoroughly with the help of a towel or a clean, dry 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 arrived from the street.
  • After touching animals.
  • After visiting, caring or talking to sick family or friends.
  • After blowing our noses, after sneezing or coughing.

On this occasion it is equally important to remember that whenever you cough or sneeze, in case you do not have handkerchiefs by hand, always do it inside your arm or elbow instead of doing it on your hands. In this way you will avoid the spread of germs.

Images | Kathea Pinto / Fairfax County This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesInfections

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