Mumbai docs say 50 pct of infections can be prevented with proper handwashing

Washing your hands is one of the most basic habits all of us are taught as children, but many people take it for granted, carrying it forward into their adulthood. 

Every year, World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on May 5 around the world to raise awareness about the simple activity. The theme for this year is `It Might Be Gloves, It`s Always Hand Hygiene` to say that even though gloves are used, hand hygiene is still important. While the focus is on healthcare workers, it also serves as a reminder for every person to follow it.

Many may forget but hand washing is necessary to prevent illnesses and maintaining overall personal hygiene. From controlling the spread of infections to protecting sensitive areas like the eyes, regular hand hygiene is critical at every stage of life. Despite being easy to do, many people either neglect hand washing or are unaware of when and how it should be done correctly. 

Highlighting the importance, health experts encourage everyone — from children to adults to senior citizens, to pay attention to hand hygiene. 

Washing hands with soap and clean water removes germs, dirt, and harmful chemicals. Dr Urvi Maheshwari, internal medicine expert, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar West, says, “Proper hand hygiene could cut infection risk by 50 per cent. 8 out of 10 people, including children, adults, and senior citizens, are unaware about proper hand washing techniques. It helps prevent respiratory infections, diarrhoea, eye infections, and more. By just scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds, you can avoid transmitting viruses and bacteria to yourself and others. After using the bathroom, hands can carry bacteria like E. coli or viruses that cause the stomach flu. If hands aren’t washed properly, the bacteria and viruses can spread to food, surfaces, and other people, inviting gastric problems.”

Dr Maheshwari adds, “Proper hand washing after bathroom use is essential at home, in schools, and workplaces. Moreover, ensure to wash hands even before eating or preparing food, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, after touching garbage or contaminated surfaces, before and after treating wounds or caring for someone ill, before and after changing the baby’s diapers, after cleaning your home, touching the pets or any objects. Schools should also teach the proper hand-washing technique to children to prevent infections.”

Dr Chhya Vaja, internal medicine expert at Apollo Spectra in Chembur, said, “Regular and correct handwashing can prevent 40 per cent of infections. 5 to 6 out of 10 people, including children, adults, and senior citizens, don’t know about the appropriate handwashing technique. Not only gastric problems, but eye health is also compromised due to a lack of hand hygiene practices. Personal hygiene affects your eye health much more than you realise. The hands come into contact with dirt, dust, bacteria, and viruses throughout the day. When you touch or rub your eyes without washing your hands, these harmful particles can enter the eyes unknowingly. This can cause redness, irritation, itching, and even conjunctivitis (pink eye). For those who wear contact lenses, maintaining hand hygiene is the need of the hour. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting or removing lenses. Using dirty hands or not cleaning lenses can create a breeding ground for infections. Lenses should be cleaned, stored, and replaced as prescribed by your doctor.” 

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