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Main hygiene rules Hand washing protects against serious diseases
On the occasion of the World Day of Hand Washing, experts refer to the health significance of this hygiene measure every year. By regular hand washing you can protect yourself from infectious diseases. But it must be thoroughly enough.
Regular hand washing protects against illnesses
Many children are taught at a young age the saying: "after the toilet and before eating - do not forget washing hands" taught. Unfortunately, sometimes it hampers with the execution, even with adults. And that although hand washing is the most important hygiene rule ever. It can significantly reduce the risk of diseases such as diarrhea or flu. For the World Day of Hand Washing on October 15, experts explain what is important when washing hands.
Regular hand washing is an important contribution to effective protection against infectious diseases. But it has to be done thoroughly enough. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com) Hygiene is often too short
According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 80 percent of all infectious diseases are transmitted by hand. According to medical experts, the risk of developing gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, flu or cold can be significantly reduced by proper hand washing. Nevertheless, the hygiene often comes too short, especially in men, as a survey of the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) showed.
According to the experts, this is also confirmed by observational studies of the "London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine" with around 250,000 visitors from restroom toilets. It turned out that not even one in three men uses soap and water, but 64% of women already.
Wash long enough
However, to protect against infectious diseases, hand washing must be done properly and long enough. According to experts, 20 to 30 seconds would be necessary for the germs to disappear reliably. However, very few people stick to it.
In order to keep up with the times, one could follow the advice once given by the Unicef children's charity: sing "Happy Birthday" twice in a row while washing one's hands. This is the optimal time to remove the most dangerous bacteria and viruses.
With or without soap?
While it is not true that washing hands without soap is pointless, according to health experts, it is much more effective if soap is used, as it removes dirt and microbes better from the skin than water alone. The water temperature is not so important. However, grease and dirt dissolve in warm water a little easier.
Also, drying is important
In addition to washing, it depends on the drying, because wet hands can accommodate significantly more germs than dry. Manufacturers of paper towels and hot air dryers have been fighting bitterly for years for the right hand drying.
From both sides, studies are commissioned time and again to prove that their products are better suited. The results therefore fluctuate mostly - depending on the client. What most experts agree on: used towels should be washed regularly at least 60 degrees.
Action Day indicates health significance
The International Hand Wash Day, launched by WHO, was first launched in 2008. On the occasion of other action days such as the World Water Day or the World Hygiene Day, attention is repeatedly drawn to the health significance of the Hygiene Rule number one. Among other things, from the children's charity Unicef, that especially wants to reach children in developing countries. (Ad)