subject: Prevent The Spread Of Diseases With Handwashing [print this page] Many people may say that they wash their hands regularly, but some studies show that it may not be the case. The simple act of handwashing can be one of the most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, especially those can cause vomiting or diarrhoea, and respiratory illnesses such as tuberculosis. The only ingredients needed are soap and water and paper towels.
In a recent study conducted in the UK, 99 % of the people interviewed at service stations, claimed that they washed their hands after going to the toilet, but video surveillance shows that only 64% of the women, and 32% of the men and actually did participate in the act of handwashing.
The situation is alarming, because even when a dangerous health risk is present, many people still neglect to wash their hands. During the swine flu epidemic of 2009, an international study, completed by Havard University suggested that only 53% of the people increased the frequency of their handwashing.
The problem appears to be particularly egregious in the UK. The problems appear to come from a lack of understanding of personal hygiene, as well as one of perception. Many of the residents in the UK, believe that because they live in the UK with modern clean facilities, that diseases are not easily spread. They do not associate dirty hands with the spread of diseases.
There is nothing much further away from the truth. According to research done at the University of Boulder in Colorado, there are at least 3,000 different bacteria belonging to more than 100 different species on the hands of the average person.
The research shows that each person has a unique bacterial fingerprint and no two communities are alike. They are even different on the left and the right hands of the same person. It has also been discovered that there are differences in the germs found on the hands of women vs those of men, and it is believed that differences in the composition of sweat or hormones may attributable.
It problem appears to be not a lack of being aware or laziness, but more behavioural, as good hygiene is not yet an automatic process. It is possible that mindlessness predominates, and many believe that they have actually done something when in fact they have not. Studies also show that those who do wash their hands,are doing it incorrectly. Wiping quickly with water is incorrect. Soap and water should be used whenever possible, and the hands must be scrubbed together, and it should take at least 90 seconds. The major benefit of handwashing is that it eliminates transient organisms that can easily be passed on. For example, a doctor can pick up and transfer bacteria from a patient who has contracted a disease.
Experts recommend that it should be done more regularly, and the two most critical times are after using the toilet and before eating. The United Nations states that washing hands is the most cost-effective method for worldwide prevention of the spread of disease. It is estimated that more than a million lives can be saved annually, simply by washing hands.
Handwashing can be used to prevent the spread of diseases. Installing handwashing solutions in public places is of the more cost effective solutions than can save lives.
