Hand Washing Reduces Spread of Infectious Germs

Auburn, Oct. 31---When the workplace is full of sneezing colleagues, it's easy to become concerned about the spread of germs. Most health experts agree that the best line of defense is a simple one: wash your hands.

The biggest concern is the spread of cold viruses, influenza and similar germs. These are generally spread by inhaling micro droplets that others have expelled through coughing and sneezing and by picking up germs from contaminated surfaces, then touching one's mouth, nose or eyes.

Frequent hand washing, using warm, soapy water helps fight the spread of germs, says Dr. Jean Weese, a food safety scientist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All public areas -- shopping malls, offices, schools, child care centers and churches -- are full of surfaces that are touched. The transmitted germs come home and can be transferred to doorknobs, light switches, refrigerator handles and food.

Germs live for different lengths of time. Some are harmless almost immediately, while others live for weeks. One sure way to shorten their life-span is to frequently wash your hands. A good routine to get into is to wash your hands immediately upon returning home, says Weese.

Young children come in contact with many germs through other children, teachers and staff, especially in day care or school settings.

Many health experts consider hand washing to be the single most important way to reduce the spread of infectious diseases, as hands are the most common way germs spread, Weese adds. Therefore, it is important to practice proper hand washing techniques. Follow these simple steps:

Wet hands with warm, running water.
Add soap and rub your hands to make a lather. Do this away from the running water so you won't wash suds away.
Wash front and back of hands, between the fingers and under the nails for 20 seconds.
Rinse hands well under running water to wash away the germs that are suspended by the soap.
Dry hands thoroughly with a clean paper towel and then throw towel away

SOURCE: Dr. Jean Weese, Food Safety Scientist, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, (334) 844-3269