There are a lot of viruses flying around in winter. Read here how you can properly prevent this and what you should do after washing your hands.
Many pathogens are transmitted from hand to hand and from doorknob to doorknob, for example in the office. Frequent hand washing protects against smear infections, for example with gastrointestinal viruses. The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) points this out.
This also includes drying your hands thoroughly. Because: Where it is humid, germs can multiply easily. Anyone who washes their hands should therefore dry them thoroughly as quickly as possible. And in doing so, rub off pathogens that can still cling to wet hands even after washing.
- Im Video: Dry hands? That helps
Drying your hands after washing: That’s how important it is
Clean disposable towels are best. But hand dryers also remove moisture from your hands – and pathogens that have already come off the skin during washing.
However, it is better to leave used cloth towels in public toilets. Germs can stick to them. By the way: It is not important whether the water for washing your hands comes from the tap cold or warm. It is more important that hands are thoroughly soaped and washed for at least 20 seconds.
What are some common misconceptions about handwashing that people might have during the winter months?
As a Website Editor for world-today-news.com, I had the pleasure of interviewing two esteemed guests on the topic of handwashing and its importance during winter, especially against the backdrop of viruses spreading. Our guests for today are Dr. Lisa Thomas, an infectious disease specialist at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Sarah Johnson, a public health expert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Opening Question: Dr. Lisa Thomas, can you explain to our readers the significance of hand washing, particularly during winter, in preventing the spread of viruses?
Dr. Thomas: Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of viruses and other pathogens. During winter, we are more prone to catching infections due to the close proximity of individuals and the fact that viruses can survive on surfaces for longer periods. Proper hand washing kills the germs that may cause respiratory or gastrointestinal illnesses. Furthermore, winter holidays are an excellent opportunity for family gatherings, which increases the risk of transmission of viruses like the common cold or flu.
Follow-up Question: Can you provide some insight into the frequency and technique of hand washing recommended by experts?
Dr. Thomas: The CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the restroom, before eating, or after touching public surfaces. However, if soap and water are inaccessible, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content can also be effective. It’s important to ensure thorough coverage of all surfaces, including the back of your hands, wrists, between fingers, and under nails.
Sarah Johnson, can you expand on Dr. Thomas’s comment by discussing the role of drying hands in preventing the spread of infections?
Sarah Johnson: Yes, indeed. Drying your hands effectively is an important step in preventing the spread of infections. Wet hands can harbor germs, and if we don’t dry them thoroughly, we might end up transferring them to other surfaces or people. The Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) recommends
