Handwashing Awareness Week: Know Why Handwashing Matters
Introduction
National Handwashing Awareness Week is observed annually during the first full week of December, and it is a timely reminder of the critical role hand hygiene plays in maintaining health and preventing disease. This year, the observance runs from December 1st to December 7th, emphasizing the importance of a simple yet powerful act: washing hands with soap and water.
Why Handwashing Matters?
Germs are omnipresent and can be transferred effortlessly through touch or minimal contact. From doorknobs and keyboards to public transportation and handshakes, our hands are constantly in contact with surfaces that harbor bacteria and viruses. From the common cold to life-threatening illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and diarrhea, clean hands are a barrier to harmful germs. Studies indicate that keeping hands clean can prevent one-third of diarrheal illnesses and one-fifth of respiratory infections. CDC states that:
- Washing hands can help curb one in five infections, including common illnesses like the flu and influenza.
Â
- Frequent handwashing reduces the risk of transmitting germs from one person or surface to another, significantly lowering the spread of infectious diseases.
Germs can survive on surfaces for hours, and people often touch their faces—eyes, nose, or mouth—without even realizing it, providing an easy entry point for pathogens. Touching contaminated objects and then coming into contact with others accelerates the spread of illnesses within communities.
Handwashing is not just a personal hygiene habit—it is a public health strategy. Regularly cleaning your hands with soap and water, especially after using the restroom, handling food, or coughing, breaks the chain of germ transmission.
The Correct Way of Washing Hands
Effective handwashing involves more than a quick rinse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following steps to ensure effective handwashing:
- Wet: Start by placing your hands under clean, running water, then apply soap (not necessarily antibacterial) to create a lather.
Â
- Lather: Once soap is applied, rub your hands together, making sure to cover every nook and cranny, including the backs of your hands, the spaces between your fingers, and beneath your nails.
Â
- Scrub: After lathering the soap, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, or up to 40-60 seconds.
Â
- Rinse: Once you’ve scrubbed your hands clean, the next step is to rinse off the lather with clean, running water to wash away any germs and dirt.
Â
- Dry: Finish by drying your hands thoroughly with a clean towel or letting them air dry.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Handwashing is crucial at certain times, including:
- Before eating or preparing food
- After using the toilet
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
- After handling garbage, pet food, or pet excreta
- Prior to and following wound care or attending to someone who is unwell
What should you do when soap and water are unavailable?
Washing hands with soap and water is the preferred choice for microbial elimination, but alcohol-based hand sanitizers (with at least 60% alcohol) can be used as a replacement when soap and water are unavailable. To verify this, check the product label. The most effective antimicrobial activity is achieved with alcohol solutions that contain:
- 60 to 85 percent ethanol
- 60 to 80 percent isopropanol
- 60 to 80 percent n-propanol
Similar to handwashing, the effectiveness of hand sanitizers relies on using the correct technique.
Â
To use hand sanitizer correctly, dispense 3 to 5 mL (about 2/3 to 1 teaspoon) into your palm. Rub your hands together for 25 to 30 seconds, ensuring the sanitizer covers all areas, then continue rubbing until your hands are completely dry.
Spreading Awareness
National Handwashing Awareness Week is an opportunity to remind everyone about this crucial habit. Here are some ways to promote it:
- Education Campaigns: Schools and workplaces can hold workshops or demonstrations on proper handwashing techniques.
Â
- Social Media Activism: Encourage others to share their handwashing stories using hashtags like #HandwashingAwarenessWeek.
Â
- Community Engagement: Host local events or distribute educational materials highlighting the importance of hand hygiene.
A Global Call to Action
Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) emphasize that handwashing is a cornerstone of public health, especially in underprivileged areas where access to clean water and soap is limited. Strengthening handwashing practices globally is key to reducing preventable illnesses and deaths.
4 Frequently Asked Questions About Handwashing
1. How long should I wash my hands?
It is recommended to wash hands for at least 20 seconds, which can extend to 40-60 seconds.
2. Is antibacterial soap necessary for handwashing?
 No, antibacterial soap is not required. Any type of soap, when used with water, is effective in removing germs. The U.S. FDA states there is no evidence at present to show that antibacterial soap is more effective than regular soap and water in preventing illness. However, healthcare workers may follow different protocols based on specific circumstances.
3. Can hand sanitizer replace handwashing?
Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water aren’t available, but it is most effective when it contains at least 60% alcohol. Soap and water are the best options for thoroughly cleaning your hands.
4. How should I dry my hands?
Air drying or using a clean towel is recommended for drying hands after washing. Avoid shared towels to prevent recontamination.
Conclusion
National Handwashing Awareness Week is a reminder that something as simple as washing your hands can have a profound impact on health. Let’s use this week to cultivate better habits, educate others, and commit to making hand hygiene a priority every day.
