Diseases that You Can Prevent through Handwashing
The onset of the pandemic has reminded everyone of the importance of handwashing. While most probably, you have already been practicing hand hygiene for as long as you can remember, the importance of well-sanitized hands has been stressed in the past months.
Sanitation and disinfection efforts continue to ward off Coronavirus and other diseases. But did you know that you can already protect your health by following proper handwashing techniques? Here's a guide that highlights the diseases that you can prevent by keeping your hands clean.
The Importance of Handwashing and the Diseases that It Can Prevent
The Importance of Handwashing
Your hands can harbor germs, bacteria, and viruses. When they come into contact with your eyes, nose, mouth or skin, there is a chance that transmission of pathogens will occur.
However, even when your hands can be the bridge to contamination, you still have the power to minimize or even eliminate contamination by keeping your hands clean and sanitized.
The importance of handwashing is stressed as it helps eliminate the potential to acquire a range of diseases. Clean hands serve as your protection against pathogens including deadly viruses.
5 Diseases that Can Be Prevented through Handwashing
Coronavirus
Mode of Transmission: Droplets
One of the most important safety protocols to prevent COVID-19 is handwashing. These diseases can lead to serious complications and cause respiratory failure. Worldwide data also shows that it is easily transmissible and can lead to deaths.
Flu
Mode of Transmission: Droplets
While considered common, flu can be deadly too especially among the vulnerable population which include the very young, the very old, and those with compromised immunity. It is an infectious disease and transmission may already occur even before a person experiences signs and symptoms. Proper handwashing is an effective way to prevent flu as it helps in preventing virus transmission.
Salmonellosis
Mode of Transmission: Fecal-oral route
Another important reason why you should wash your hand is to ensure that no fecal matter will find its way into your system. Food that isn’t fully cooked or washed thoroughly and dirty or contaminated hands could cause salmonellosis. By keeping your hands clean, you can free yourself from the worries of salmonella infection.
Mononucleosis
Mode of Transmission: Droplet
Also known as “kissing disease”, this illness can be transmitted through sneeze, cough, or even touching contaminated objects. Saliva left on shared utensils and glasses can also cause infection. Symptoms of mononucleosis last for 2 to 4 weeks and are manifested by body aches, high fever, fatigue, sore throat, and enlarged spleen.
Hepatitis A
Mode of Transmission: Fecal-oral route
It is important to make handwashing a part of your routine when you came from the bathroom or before you prepare food. Hepatitis A may be less alarming than Hepatitis B and C but it is still a cause for concern. It can cause gastrointestinal problems, fever, fatigue, and jaundice. There are people who even have to be hospitalized when the infection is severe.
ALSO READ: The Best Disinfectants Against Viruses and the Ingredients to Look for
Nowadays, hand hygiene and sanitation are crucial to stop the spread of dreaded diseases. In the absence of soap and water, alcohol and sanitizer may be used to disinfect the hands. Alcohols with at least 60% formulation are regarded as effective. But of course, you also have to be mindful about observing proper hygiene and using protection that can help spare you from illnesses. Aside from Covid-19, there are other diseases that you should stay away from. It’s a relief to know that you can take the necessary precaution by starting with clean hands. In addition to that are the disinfectant products that further raise your safety.
BestLab, a trusted supplier of natural disinfectants and alcohols such as isopropyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol, can provide you with the essentials you need to protect your health. Contact us today or visit our shops on Lazada and Shopee.
