Wash hands frequently to stay safe

Hand washing is a simple habit that can help keep you healthy. It is true that a simple hand wash with running water and soap can help in keeping many of the infections at bay. Learn the benefits of good hygiene, when to wash your hands and how to clean them properly.

- Dr. Chalapathy Vydehi

Covid 19 pandemic has made us aware of the importance of hygiene especially hand hygiene. Washing our hands regularly for the right amount of time has been taken seriously in the recent few months and most people are following it religiously. Washing hands is not only crucial to avoid COVID infection, it can also help in avoiding many more other infections which can affect our health.

Hand washing is a simple habit, something when done properly, is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. This simple habit requires only soap and warm water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.The germs which are present on different objects and surfaces can spread various infections when we touch our face, eyes, nose without washing hands.

Especially during this COVID time, when the virus can stay on the doorknobs, lift buttons, delivery packages for long hours and the chances of spreading the infection is higher if we touch our face without washing or sanitizing our hands.

Hand washing doesn’t take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Hand washing is one of the major protocols to avoid COVID 19 infection along with social distancing and wearing mask. Also, gastrointestinal infections, such as Salmonella, and other respiratory infections are common infections which can spread through fomites.

• The Dangers of not washing your hands