What is Hand Washing?

CLASS NAME: EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY (EDTK3004)
GRADE LEVEL: SECONDARY AND UNDERGRADUATE

             THE IMPORTANCE OF HAND WASHING 

                                         

Hand washing, also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning hands for the purpose of removing soil, dirt, and microorganisms.

Keeping hands clean 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.

Germs can also get onto hands if people touch any object that has germs on it because someone coughed or sneezed on it or was touched by some other contaminated object. When these germs get onto hands and are not washed off, they can be passed from person to person and make people sick.



                           

Hand-washing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. Regular hand-washing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Hand-washing is a win for everyone, except the germs.

                                     

Learn more about when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available. Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or already sick, find out how good hand hygiene can protect you, your family, and others (Pittet & Donaldson, 2005).

      Pittet, D., & Donaldson, L. (2005). Clean Care is Safer Care: The first global challenge of the WHO World Alliance for Patient Safety. American Journal of Infection Control,33(8), 476-479. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2005.08.001