{"id":711,"date":"2022-01-07T03:30:32","date_gmt":"2022-01-07T03:30:32","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2024-11-25T12:11:24","modified_gmt":"2024-11-25T04:11:24","slug":"the-proper-handwashing-technique-to-adopt-during-the-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/the-proper-handwashing-technique-to-adopt-during-the-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"The Proper Hand Washing Technique To Adopt During The Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s common knowledge that being committed to the proper handwashing technique during the pandemic is one of the most important steps we can take to help stop the spread. With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic and its <a target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/what-is-the-meaning-of-covid-variants\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rapidly mutating strains<\/a>, <strong>washing your hands and keeping up the habit of good hygiene is crucial to protect the health of you and your loved ones.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Good hand hygiene is more than just running your hands underwater. We\u2019ll discuss the proper handwashing technique and overview the best way to wash your hands. In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to wash your hands thoroughly and properly. We\u2019ll also discuss the effectiveness of handwashing and using hand sanitizer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read More: <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/why-you-should-care-about-handwashing-awareness-week\/\&quot;">Why You Should Care About Handwashing Awareness Week<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-germs-spread\">How Germs Spread<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Everyday tasks such as handling raw meat, going to the toilet, or changing a diaper introduce us to trillions of germs from human and animal feces every day. A single gram of human feces contains up to a trillion germs, some of which cause diarrhea and respiratory infections such as the adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, when someone who\u2019s infected coughs or sneezes on an object, they leave a trail of germs around them.<strong> These germs can live on the surface of an object for days<\/strong>. The germs get onto the hands of the uninfected person when they touch the surface of the contaminated object. If the germs aren\u2019t washed off, they can be passed from person to person and make people sick. The <a target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.wral.com\/how-many-surfaces-do-you-touch-each-day\/19011104\/\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Institute of Health Lab<\/a> reported that the COVID-19 virus can live on surfaces for up to 3 days, and with the rapidly evolving strains of influenza, experts advise the public to wash hands frequently to protect the health of you and your community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\&quot;" target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">with unwashed hands<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Touch a contaminated surface or objects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people\u2019s hands or common objects<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1556911220-dabc1f02913a?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8MzB8fHByZXBhcmUlMjBmb29kfGVufDB8fDB8fA%3D%3D&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-proper-handwashing-technique\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"when-to-wash-your-hands\">When To Wash Your Hands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It is recommended to make a habit of regularly washing your hands. Washing your hands with soap, water, and the proper handwashing technique removes germs from your hands. This helps prevent infections as people unconsciously touch their eyes, nose, and mouth, hence transferring germs into the body from these orifices and making them sick. Besides that, germs from unwashed hands can get into food and drinks or get transferred to other objects and surfaces, making people sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some of the most crucial times to practice hand hygiene according to the <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/clean-hands\/about\/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\&quot;" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/clean-hands\/about\/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Centre for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Before, during, and after preparing food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before and after eating food<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Before and after treating a cut or wound<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After using the toilet<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthywater\/hygiene\/diapering\/index.html\&quot;" target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After handling pet food or pet treats<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After touching garbage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"proper-hand-washing-technique\">Proper Hand Washing Technique<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Good handwashing is the first line of defense against pesky illnesses and diseases. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention provide <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/clean-hands\/about\/?CDC_AAref_Val=https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\&quot;" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">5 easy steps<\/a> on how to wash your hands with the proper handwashing technique:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/content_images_3leE0NtVUITYgepo2q9ybV08-8sgJzOWlWrU5T_Nqkv77cGC-dO2fSVoIRt_AQZOIETcyata_jSrPeCrfE_PWDNB-48B3mosMnk_K6foz0kCdaeNUENdnmQmf-fO0lwCwoXz5ZOi.png\" alt=\"\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wet your hands <\/strong>with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Surfactants in soap are handy at lifting soil and microbes from the skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lather your hands<\/strong> by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails as it creates friction to lift dirt, grease and microbes from your skin.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scrub your hands <\/strong>for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the \u201cHappy Birthday\u201d song from beginning to end twice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Rinse your hands<\/strong> well under clean, running water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dry your hands<\/strong> using a clean towel or air dry them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Read More: <a href="\&quot;https:\/\/circledna.com\/blog\/5-tips-for-selecting-the-right-hand-soap-during-the-pandemic\/\&quot;">5 Tips For Selecting The Right Hand Soap<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"soap-and-water-vs-hand-sanitizer-which-is-more-effective\">Soap and Water VS Hand Sanitizer: Which is More Effective<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs, but we may not have access to soap and water all the time. In these scenarios, opt for an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. These hand sanitizers may come in the form of liquids, wipes, and sprays and in travel sizes so you can carry them with you at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the CDC, although hand sanitizers can reduce the number of germs, hand sanitizer has some <a target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/when-how-handwashing.html\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">limitations<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Hand sanitizer does not get rid of all kinds of germs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It may not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides or heavy metals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image kg-card kg-image-card\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/images.unsplash.com\/photo-1583947581380-3d27ed02f76f?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&amp;ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8MjN8fGhhbmQlMjBzYW5pdGl6ZXJ8ZW58MHx8MHx8&amp;w=1000&amp;q=80\" alt=\"circlemagazine-circledna-proper-handwashing-technique\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-to-use-hand-sanitizer\">How to Use Hand Sanitizer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rub your hands together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rub the gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"proper-hand-washing-technique-helps-battle-the-rise-in-antibiotic-resistance\">Proper Hand Washing Technique Helps Battle the Rise in Antibiotic Resistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just by washing your hands, about <a target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/why-handwashing.html\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">30%<\/a> diarrhea-related illnesses and about <a target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/handwashing\/why-handwashing.html\&quot;" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20% of respiratory infections<\/a> can be prevented. Cutting down the number of infections and diseases prevents the overuse of antibiotics prescribed to the diseases and the likelihood of antibiotic resistance developing. Protect yourself and your loved ones from infectious diseases by religiously washing your hands, ensuring you use the 5 steps of the proper handwashing technique that we went over. To further protect yourself and your loved ones, consider the <a target=\"_new0.04978776914047801\" href="\&quot;https:\/\/circlepod.co\/en-hk\/?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=bau&amp;utm_format=article&amp;utm_creator=&amp;utm_content=the-proper-handwashing-technique-to-adopt-during-the-pandemic\&quot;">Circle HealthPod Portable Covid Test<\/a> which you can take at home to find out your Covid status in 20 minutes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s common knowledge that being committed to the proper handwashing technique during the pandemic is one of the most important steps we can take to help stop&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2543,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[9882,5139,10976,10554,10979,4973,4387],"class_list":["post-711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wellness","tag-covid19-en","tag-hand","tag-hand-hygiene","tag-hand-soap-en","tag-handwashing","tag-preventive-health","tag-wellness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=711"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10280,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/711\/revisions\/10280"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=711"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=711"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/magazine.circledna.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=711"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}