How to avoid communicable diseases: The simplest way
Hand hygiene is the simplest and most effective way to prevent communicable diseases. Regular washing with soap or using alcohol-based rubs reduces gastrointestinal, respiratory, parasitic, food-borne and hospital-acquired infections.
The most-effective technique It has been found that hand hygiene is one of the simplest and most-effective health measures to prevent, and reduce the incidence of, diseases. Cleaning hands with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rubs can help in avoiding transmission of infection. (Images: Canva)
Crowded areas and infections As the chain of transmission is broken, individuals and communities are protected from various diseases. This is quite beneficial in areas that are crowded or have a high-risk environment. Gastrointestinal diseases and infectious diseases can be kept at bay by following adequate hand-hygiene.
Prevent gastrointestinal problems Washing hands adequately reduces the risk of transmission of organisms like Shigella, E. coli, and Rotavirus, along with Salmonella. These pathogens result in diarrhoeal infections, which can lead to dehydration if left untreated. Contaminated hands are often a factor for the development of such problems.
Keep respiratory infections away Hand hygiene techniques aid in lowering the transmission of viruses that lead to respiratory diseases like influenza and common cold. Attack by pathogens, namely, RSV and adenoviruses can also be avoided. These infections spread by droplets that can settle on the hands.
Hospital-acquired infections People in the hospital are likely to develop hospital-acquired infections. Unclean hand transmit infections like MRSA and Acenatobacter. Healthcare workers are encouraged to follow all hand hygiene guidelines so as to prevent HAIs in people who have been admitted to the hospital.
Food and hand hygiene All those involved in handling food items and those who work in the kitchens must make certain that they regularly wash their hands. Toxin-mediated diseases caused by ill-handling of food is quite common. Washing hands before and after cooking meals can help minimise the entry of pathogens into the gastrointestinal tract.
Say bye to parasites Parasitic diseases like amoebiasis, ascariasis, and giardiasis can be avoided if hand washing practices are adequately followed. It has been found that parasitic eggs stick to the hands if there has been a contact with contaminated soil, and these get transmitted.
High-risk groups People who are at a higher risk of developing infections, like children, the elderly, along with pregnant females, must make certain they regularly wash their hands or use a hand-rub to avoid illnesses. It is essential to follow the steps of hand hygiene when dealing with newborn babies.
No rubbing of eyes Children commonly rub their eyes, and this can cause infections like conjunctivitis if their hands are unclean. Other infections like impetigo and fungal skin infections can also be prevented when hands are washed well with soap and water.
Wash hands, avoid infections There are guidelines available on the steps of hand-washing, and all ten steps must be followed to help avoid the incidence of infections. Keeping hands clean and dry, and avoiding touching places that are contaminated, promotes good health in communities. (Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis)
