Control Infections with Soap and Warm Water
How to Avoid Catching a Cold or the Seasonal Flu
Sep 17, 2009
From Wisconsin in the US to Westminster in the UK, mothers across the world know that washing your hands is the best way to avoid getting the flu. It has been reliably and scientifically proven in dozens of studies over the last decade that respiratory tract infections are transmitted to humans most often because of hand-to-mouth contact. Touching your face with your hands is the main culprit. According to studies conducted by Dr Mark Nicas, a professor of environmental health science at the University of California, Berkeley ‘virus-contaminated hand contact with facial membranes’ accounts for the greatest pathway for a person to acquire a flu or cold.
Hand-to-mouth Contact is the Main Reason People Catch Colds
Touching your eyes is seemingly one of the most vulnerable targets by which germs can enter the body, along with through the mouth and nostrils. Hand contact with facial membranes is often an unconscious habit. A study performed in Berkeley by Professor Nicas among 10 university students and reported in the summer of 2009 revealed that on average the students touched their faces 47 times during a three hour period. At that rate, the level of transmission from infectious, contaminated surfaces like shared computer keyboards, cell phones, desk tops, and so forth, to hands and facial membranes is very high.
How to Wash Hands and Keep Seasonal Flu Under Control
The Center for Disease Control recommends washing hands with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds. Washing in cold water is not nearly as effective. Wet hands with warm water and apply soap, either liquid or bar soap and lather well. Wash all parts of the hands including fingernails, and dry hands on a clean towel. It is also recommended to turn off the water using a cloth or paper towel. Doctors themselves suggest humming to the tune of 'Happy Birthday' while washing hands to ensure that the proper amount of time is spent washing in order to kill pathogens.
Alcohol-based Hand Cleansers are Good for Controlling Infections
When soap and warm water are not available, the second most effective way to keep your hands germ free is to use an alcohol-based hand cleanser, or a gel sanitizer, or disposable hand wipes. Alcohol kills germs but it is essential to rub hands fully and vigorously with gel and continue to rub until hands are dry. Check the active ingredients. The amount of alcohol concentration needs to be at least 60% or above. Less than a 60% concentration of alcohol in hand sanitizers is not sufficient to kill microbes.
Hands-up for Hand Washing and the Best way to Avoid Swine Flu and the H1N1 Virus
Developing good hand hygiene is essential in order to stay healthy in today's world. It's a proven and simple, yet effective tool for controlling infectious respiratory illnesses, like swine flu, that affect us all. All you need is warm water, add soap, and sing 'Happy Birthday' to yourself.
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