Hand hygiene is an important practice that can help prevent the spread of disease and illness. Proper hand washing can help to remove harmful bacteria and viruses from your hands, reducing the risk of infection. Knowing when to wash your hands is just as important as knowing how to wash them properly. In this article, we will explore the different situations in which you should wash your hands.
Before and after handling food
One of the most important times to wash your hands is before and after handling food. Food can be contaminated with harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, which can cause food poisoning. To avoid getting sick, it is essential to wash your hands before handling food to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your hands to the food. You should also wash your hands after handling food, especially raw meat, poultry, and fish.
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
If you are caring for someone who is sick, it is important to wash your hands before and after providing care. Germs can easily be transferred between people, and washing your hands before and after caring for someone who is sick can help prevent the spread of illness.
After using the bathroom
Another crucial time to wash your hands is after using the bathroom. Fecal matter contains harmful bacteria, including E. coli and norovirus, which can be easily transferred to your hands. Washing your hands after using the bathroom can help prevent the spread of these bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
When you cough, sneeze, or blow your nose, you expel respiratory droplets that can contain viruses and bacteria. To avoid spreading these germs, it is essential to wash your hands immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
Animals can carry harmful bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause illness in humans. If you come into contact with animals or their waste, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of these bacteria.