A variety of viral infections diseases can spread from one person to the other by infected hands. Infections of the gastrointestinal tract, such as Salmonella, and respiratory infections, such as influenza, are among these diseases. Handwashing properly will help avoid the spread of germs that cause these diseases (bacteria and viruses).

Some gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, particularly in young children, the elderly, or those with a compromised immune system, may lead to serious complications.

Bird flu is and has continued to be a constant threat to the agriculture sector. Direct interaction between birds, contaminated objects, and the air are all ways for the virus to spread. It’s also important to maintain a high level of hygiene on your poultry farm.

Handwashing Measures to Prevent the Risk of Bird Flu:

Stopping the spread of germs would be crucial if a pandemic occurs, as some fear will occur if the new strain of bird flu, H5N1, becomes transmittable from person to person.

When Do You Wash Your Hands?

Hands should be thoroughly washed:

• after dealing with the garbage
• working in the greenhouse
• after dealing with animals
• before, during, and after preparing food
• After sneezing and Coughing
• before eating
• after using a tissue or handkerchief
• before and after attending to sick children or other members of the family
• following a cigarette

Keuchel said:

“Keep your hands clean is the one way of the easiest way to remain safe and prevent germs from spreading”

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

To properly wash your hands, follow these steps:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water and turn the tap off.
• Apply liquid soap and vigorously lather for 20 seconds (or longer if the dirt is ingrained).
• Rub your hands and wrists together quickly over the entire surface of your hands and wrists.
• Remember to massage the backs of your palms, wrists, toes, and under your fingernails.
• Remove rings and watches before washing your hands if at all necessary, or switch them to wash under them, as microorganisms may live under them.
• Rinse thoroughly under running water to ensure that any traces of soap are gone.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.
• Paper towels are the safest choice (or single-use cloth towels).

Soap is Essential:

In general, liquid soap is preferable to bar soap, particularly at work. Bar soap, on the other hand, is preferable to no soap. Handwashing with soap and water removes far more disease-causing species than handwashing with only water. People who experience skin irritation from soap should be aware that soaps vary in pH – they can be neutral, slightly alkaline, or slightly acidic – and that perfumes in the liquid soap can also irritate. Some people can benefit from switching soaps.

For handwashing, warm water may be preferable to cold since soap lathers better in warm water. Coldwater and soap, on the other hand, are still appropriate. The natural oils in the skin can be damaged by hot water. This can lead to dermatitis over time.

Prevent Infection From Spreading:

To stop an infection from spreading, take the following precautions:

• Coughs and sneezes should be covered with tissue, which should be discarded after use. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve, and wash your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• If soap water isn’t easily accessible, substitute hand washing with alcohol-based hand gel (60 to 95 percent alcohol).
• To avoid germs entering the body, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Keep as far away from sick people as possible.
• If you’re sick and infectious, stay home from work and school and keep a safe distance from others to protect them.
• By practicing social distancing, you may avoid coworkers, family members, neighbors, and anyone who might be ill (stay at least three feet away).
• Vaccinations, like flu shots, should be kept up to date.

Keep Your Hands in Good Health

Hand hygiene includes more than just handwashing. Taking care of your skin is critical in general because it is your most powerful protection against infection. After your hands have been thoroughly cleaned, you can assist in their care by:

• Apply a liquid absorbent hand cream three or four times a day, or more often if your hands are in water all the time.
• To cover your hands when dishwashing, wear gloves.
• When planting, wear gloves to avoid a build-up of ingrained soil or scratches.
• If skin irritation occurs or worsens, see a doctor.

It’s possible that washing your hands will save your life.

Conclusion

According to Jan Keuchel, infection prevention specialist at The Nebraska Medical Center,
The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others from infectious organisms like influenza is to practice good hygiene and washing hand regularly.