Handwashing: Your Best Defense Against an Epidemic

(AscendHealthy.com) – Our bodies are at constant war with invisible enemies, every surface we touch a potential minefield of dangerous pathogens. Germs are everywhere. Nearly any object could harbor a whole slew of infectious invaders on the lookout for a way past your defenses. Good hand hygiene is essential to stopping their spread — and it’s especially important during an epidemic.

Quick Read:
The next big epidemic could be on our doorsteps, so it’s important to put up our best defenses now to avoid infection later. Effective handwashing could help prevent the infection completely. Follow the CDC’s recommendations to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and cold or warm running water. This is especially important if you’ve touched anything that could be harboring germs or you’ve interacted with anyone who could be sick. If you can’t wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Get the details on why handwashing is your best defense against disease-causing germs.

Why Handwashing is Your Best Defense Against an Epidemic.

Your Best Defense

An epidemic could be on its way, and naturally, you want to avoid getting sick. You might be inclined to depend more heavily on hand sanitizer, or even stock up on protective masks. Stop. Forget wearing a mask to protect yourself from people who are sick; masks are most effective when they’re worn by the sick people themselves, to better contain coughs and sneezes.

Hand sanitizer can be helpful when you can’t get to a sink, but the CDC warns that it can’t kill all types of bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for your best shot at getting them clean, especially if there’s any visible dirt. Your best defense, plain and simple, is to keep your distance from anyone who’s ill, wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.

Washing Your Hands Right

Just because you’re washing your hands, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing it right. Follow the CDC’s recommendations to ensure you’re effectively doing your part to stop the spread of germs to yourself and other people. It’s important to wash your hands thoroughly, for at least 20 seconds, using soap and cold or warm running water. Any shortcuts could leave you harboring lingering germs.

Handwashing is especially important:

Before meals.
Before and after you handle or prepare food.
Before and after tending to a wound or interacting with someone who’s ill.
After handling animals, feed or waste.
After you sneeze, cough or blow your nose.
After visiting the toilet.
After handling garbage.

Be aware of your surroundings while you’re out. Especially during times of an epidemic, it’s essential to wash your hands after touching anything other people might also frequently touch, such as public doorknobs, elevator buttons and railings. Don’t take any chances — and don’t touch your face, especially around your eyes, nose or mouth, where germs can easily sneak in, until you can wash up.

If you can’t get to a sink, then it’s time to resort to hand sanitizer. Make sure your hand sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol, or it may not be effective. Always wash your hands if they’re visibly dirty.

The next big epidemic could hit dangerously close to home at any moment, so practice good handwashing now. It only takes a few moments of your time, and it could be your best defense against serious illness.

~Here’s to Your Healthy Ascension!