Yes, in a nutshell. The best strategy to stop the transmission of illnesses is to wash your hands frequently. By carelessly contacting another person, you may unintentionally transmit some ""germs"" (a collective word for diseases like viruses and bacteria). When you touch infected objects or surfaces and subsequently touch your face, you risk catching bacteria as well (mouth, eyes, and nose). Using a suitable amount of soap, rubbing the hands together to create friction for at least 20 seconds, and rinsing under running water are all examples of ""good"" hand washing procedures. Hand washing is still necessary before and after donning gloves; wearing gloves does not replace it. More details on how contaminated hands spread the common cold can be found in OSH Answers. The OSH Answers document Good Hygiene Practices - Reducing the Transmission of Illnesses and Viruses discusses further actions that can be taken to lessen the spread of infections. see Pandemic Influenza and Influenza as well. Please take note that employing ""regular practices"" is advised for healthcare practitioners and several other occupations where workers are exposed to blood and specific other bodily fluids. For more detailed information, please refer to the OSH Answers document Routine Practices.
Is it time to wash my hands?
A crucial step in infection prevention and personal hygiene is washing your hands. Washing your hands is advised: Be careful not to touch your mouth, nose, eyes, or face. when the hands are obviously dirty. following a bathroom visit (includes changing diapers or assisting a person when using the toilet). once you've blown your nose or sneezed into your hands. both before and after handling food, cooking, consuming alcohol, or smoking. following contact with raw meat, poultry, or fish. after handling trash, coming into contact with contaminated surfaces like trash cans, or cleaning with dirty cloths. visiting or tending to the sick. after handling filthy tissues or cleaning someone else's nose. prior to making or ingesting drugs. after coming into contact with blood or bodily fluids like vomit or saliva. When tending to a sick individual. both before and after first aiding a wound or cut. before putting in and taking out contact lenses. handling animals, pets, or animal excrement after handling pet treats or food. It's crucial to regularly wash your hands during a pandemic, especially in the situations mentioned above, as well as after visiting a public place or establishment (such as a grocery store, pharmacy, etc.) or touching a surface that is frequently touched by other people, such as doors, cash registers, gas pumps, etc. It's crucial to ensure that workers wash their hands thoroughly after using the restroom if you want to stop the spread of gastrointestinal diseases. It's crucial to lather up after using soap (rinsing hands in water only is not as effective). If feasible, wash with warm running water to increase comfort; nonetheless, cleaning effectiveness is unaffected by water temperature. A minimum of 20 total seconds should be spent washing hands (rinsing and lathering); if the hands are obviously dirty, wash them for longer. One method to encourage individuals to wash for a sufficient amount of time is to sing a brief song, such as ""Happy Birthday"" or ""A, B, C""; if you sing quickly, you might need to repeat it twice. Very similar is the notion of surgeons washing their hands before an operation (as shown on television).
How should I wash my hands?
To wash your hands effectively, take these actions: Take off any rings or jewelry. Turn on the water faucet, then thoroughly wet your hands. Use 1-3 mL of soap, and thoroughly lather. Spend at least 20 seconds lathering with soap, making sure to wash your hands thoroughly, including the backs of your hands, wrists, forearms, between your fingers, and between your toes. Rinse completely with clear, flowing water. To completely eliminate the soap residue, massage the area. Use a paper towel, a clean towel, or an air dryer to dry your hands. Please take note that using air dryers may raise questions regarding the risk of virus transmission due to moving air. It is preferable to use clean towels or single-use paper towels. If possible, use a paper towel to use the faucets' off switch (so you do not re-contaminate your hands). As you exit the bathroom, avoid contacting any unclean surfaces with your hands. Use the same paper towel, for instance, to open the door. Additional advice is to bandage cuts and use gloves for further protection (cuts are susceptible to infections and are an easy way for pathogens get into your body). An increase in bacteria on the fingernails has been linked to artificial nails and cracked nail paint. Make sure to adequately clean the nails. Avoid touching your mouth, nose, or eyes with dirty hands. Assume that any touch with bodily fluids from humans is contagious. It is better to use liquid soap in single-use containers. Reusable containers should be cleaned and dried before being filled. Use small bars that may be changed frequently if using a bar of soap, or be sure to place it on a rack that allows water to drain. Make use of a moisturizing lotion if dry skin develops.
What about hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps?
While it is true that some pathogens are not destroyed by regular soap and water, those that survive are surrounded by the soap molecules and are washed away in the rinse water. Typically, antibacterial soaps are thought to be unnecessary for the majority of uses. The exception may be in a hospital where situations are present (e.g., before invasive procedures, when caring for immuno-compromised patients, critical care areas, intensive care nurseries, etc.). Antibacterial agents should be chosen carefully based on their active ingredients and characteristics, and when persistent antibacterial or antimicrobial activity on the hands is desired. When there is no soap or water available, one alternative is to use hand sanitizers or waterless hand scrubs. Some of these products are made of ethyl alcohol mixed with emollients (skin softeners) and other agents. They are often available as a gel, or on wipes or towelettes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. Sanitizers do not eliminate all types of pathogens. Hand sanitizers may have odours which may be irritating to some users. When using a hand sanitizer: Apply suggested amount to the palm of one hand based on the manufacturer's recommendation. Rub hands together. Spread and rub the product over your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. Use enough product to cover all of your hands and fingers. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are the preferred method for healthcare providers when the hands are not visibly soiled. The sanitizers can also be used by paramedics, home care attendants, or other mobile workers where hand washing facilities are not available. These alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) are also recommended for the general public during a pandemic. However, these agents are not effective when the hands are heavily contaminated with dirt, blood, or other organic materials. Hand washing with soap and water is recommended when hands are visibly soiled.""" - https://www.affordablecebu.com/
