Proper Handwashing: the Key to Fighting Off COVID-19

The deadly COVID-19 has infected thousands of people all over the globe, and several studies and advisories have been shared about how the novel virus that may be prevented. One consistent thing about these advisories, however, is that it reports that frequent hand washing can help curb coronavirus from spreading.

Not only does handwashing prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, but it is also effective in preventing the spread of pathogens or disease-causing microbe such as E.coli to flesh-eating bugs.

Hand washing can even prevent catching a cold or passing it around. It works well in preventing the spread of contagious diseases simply because the  hands touch everything, and it also gets in contact with eyes, nose,  and mouth. If sick, pathogens from the hands are passed on to objects that other people may also get in contact with.

Hand washing, on the other hand, works by removing the microbes from the hand. Soap is known as surfactant, and it breaks down the oils and dirt on the skin. Water rinses the broken-down oils, dirt and the microbes away. By rubbing the hand together, friction is created to get the oils off, Matthew Freeman, a professor of epidemiology and global health at Emory University said.

Hand washing has been known to be effective for hundreds of years, even if people barely understand how it worked. The practice has been featured in rituals of various religions. Physicians practicing western medicine in the 19th century became aware of the germ theory of disease, making way for handwashing to be a crucial requirement in the field of medicine.

It took longer for the general public to accept handwashing as a norm. It was only 40 years ago however, that health authorities worked hard to persuade people to wash their hands after leaving the house, before eating and even after bathroom breaks, Freeman explained.Despite the public health warning on washing hands, studies reveal that even the supposed-hand-washers do not practice the 20 to 30 seconds of washing. 

Here are some tips on proper handwashing: Lukewarm or warm running water is preferred when washing hands. Coldwater is less effective and hot water dries the skin, leading to cracks on skin and eventually infection.Apply soap. The antibacterial ingredient is not necessary. Make a lather by rubbing hands, clean the dirt on the nails. Rub hands together, intertwine fingers and reach out to the back of the hands. Repeat while singing happy birthday twice.

Rinse the wrists and let the water runoff of the fingertips. Then rinse the rest of your hands as thoroughly, making sure the lather is completely removed.Dry hands well.

Freeman admits that changing practices and habits like washing hands frequently can be challenging. He advised that cues may be created to encourage the public to hand wash often. Cues may be as simple as placing a note on strategic places to remind everyone to wash their hands before eating.

He noted that the good thing about this outbreak is that it will likely change hygiene habits for the better, and perhaps, permanently.