What Happens When You Don’t Wash Your Hands
You’ve probably heard it a million times before: wash your hands to prevent the spread of germs. But have you ever wondered what actually happens when you don’t wash your hands? It may seem like a small thing, but not washing your hands can have a big impact on your health and the health of those around you. In this article, I’ll explore the consequences of not washing your hands and why it’s important to make handwashing a regular habit.
The Spread of Germs
Every day, you come into contact with a variety of germs, bacteria, and viruses. These microorganisms can be found on surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and even your phone. When you touch these surfaces, the germs can transfer to your hands. If you don’t wash your hands, those germs can then be transferred to everything else you touch, from your food to other people. This is how illnesses like the flu, colds, and stomach bugs can quickly spread from person to person.
The Importance of Hand Washing
Hand washing is one of the most important things you can do to protect your health and the health of those around you. When you wash your hands, you are removing germs that can make you sick. This can help prevent the spread of illness and infection to others, especially in public places like schools and hospitals.
What Happens When You Don’t Wash Your Hands
So, what happens when you don’t wash your hands? The short answer is that you increase your risk of getting sick. When you touch your face or mouth with dirty hands, you can transfer germs directly into your body. This can lead to a variety of health problems, including:
- Respiratory infections like the common cold and flu
- Gastrointestinal infections like food poisoning and diarrhea
Skin Irritation and Infections
Not washing your hands can also lead to skin irritation and infections. When you touch your face or other parts of your body with dirty hands, you can introduce bacteria and other microorganisms to your skin. This can lead to acne, rashes, and other skin conditions. In some cases, it can even lead to more serious infections like cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection of the skin.
Foodborne Illness
If you work in the food industry, not washing your hands can have serious consequences for the people who eat the food you prepare. When you handle food with dirty hands, you can transfer bacteria and other germs to the food. If the food is not cooked properly, those germs can survive and make people sick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million people in the United States get sick from contaminated food every year.
The Role of Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer can be a convenient alternative to hand washing, especially when you are on the go. However, it is important to remember that hand sanitizer is not a substitute for hand washing. While hand sanitizer can kill some germs, it is not as effective as washing your hands with soap and water.
When to Wash Your Hands
Knowing when to wash your hands is just as important as knowing how to wash them. You should always wash your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the bathroom or changing a diaper
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching animals, animal feed, or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
How to Wash Your Hands
Proper hand washing technique is essential for effective germ removal. According to the CDC, to wash your hands properly, follow these steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Apply soap and lather your hands.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get all surfaces.
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
Hand Washing and COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought even more attention to the importance of hand washing. Regular hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Make sure to wash your hands frequently, especially after being in public places or touching surfaces that others have touched.
Encouraging Hand Washing
Encouraging others to wash their hands is an important step in preventing the spread of illness and infection. This is especially true for children who may need reminders and guidance to develop good hand-washing habits. You can encourage hand washing by setting a good example, providing resources like soap and towels, and reminding others of the importance of hand washing and the consequences of not washing your hands.
References
- Show Me the Science – Why Wash Your Hands? | Handwashing. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html