October 15, the Global Handwashing Day
Good hand washing technique is important to prevent the spread of germs.
Think about everything you touch from the moment you wake up, go to work, and return home. It’s very likely that your hands have come into contact with germs during your daily activities.
If you carry out research activities, remember to:
- Wash your hands upon entering and before leaving the laboratory (scrubbing thoroughly for at least 20 seconds).
- Wash your hands before and immediately after handling microorganisms.
- Wash your hands immediately after removing gloves in the laboratory.
Washing hands with soap and water is the preferred method to prevent the spread of germs. When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used, provided they contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. However, hand sanitizers are not a substitute for proper handwashing.
You should know that handwashing:
- Reduces diarrhea cases by 23% to 40%.
- Decreases diarrheal diseases by up to 58% in people with weakened immune systems.
- Reduces respiratory illnesses, such as colds, by 16% to 21% in the general population.
"LIFE IS BETTER WITH CLEAN HANDS"
For more information: Global Handwashing Day