By Dr. Shruti Arya, Consultant – Internal medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield
Covid 19 pandemic has made us aware of the importance of hygiene especially hand hygiene. Washing our hands regularly for the right amount of time has been taken seriously in the recent few months and most people are following it religiously. Washing hands is not only crucial to avoid COVID infection, it can also help in avoiding many more other infections which can affect our health. It is true that a simple handwash with running water and soap can help in keeping many of the infections at bay.
The germs which are present on different objects and surfaces can spread various infections when we touch our face, eyes, nose without washing hands. Especially during this COVID time, when the virus can stay on the door knobs, lift buttons, delivery packages for long hours and the chances of spreading the infection is higher if we touch our face without washing or sanitizing our hands. Handwashing is one of the major protocols to avoid COVID 19 infection along with social distancing and wearing mask.
Also, gastrointestinal infections, such as Salmonella, and other respiratory infections are common infections which can spread through fomites.
When should you wash or sanitize your hands?
This pandemic has brought back the focus to maintain personal hygiene like washing hands soon after coming home or receiving any packages from others.
Listed below are the few commonly occurring infection when you ignore to wash your hands:
COVID 19 – As all of us are aware, one of the important reasons behind the spread of Coronavirus is ignorance of hand hygiene.
Noroviruses – Norovirus is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis and it can affect people of all age groups. It is transmitted due to poor hand hygiene after using washrooms and it then spreads to healthy individuals.
Respiratory illness – Respiratory illnesses are usually spread via droplets and when a person touches the droplets and forgets to wash his hands, he can also develop the infection. Common respiratory illnesses caused by poor hand hygiene include the common cold, influenza, chicken pox and meningitis.
Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a viral infection which can cause severe symptoms including problems with the liver, jaundice, abdominal pain, fever and fatigue. it spreads through feco – oral route which is again due to poor hand hygiene.
The right way to wash your hands to avoid any infections –
Personal hygiene is an important aspect to stay healthy. Visit your doctor if you develop any infection.
Corporate Comm India (CCI Newswire)
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