In today's world, we are confronted with emerging diseases and various health threats, including COVID-19 and Monkeypox (Mpox), which are spreading across the globe. This has prompted the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Given this situation, it is crucial to understand the importance of preparing our bodies and maintaining personal hygiene. One of the simplest and most effective self-protection strategies is “handwashing.”

Why is Handwashing Important?

Our hands come into contact with various surfaces, objects, and shared equipment throughout the day, increasing the risk of exposure to germs and viruses. These microorganisms can enter our bodies through the mouth, nose, and eyes. In fact, studies show that 80% of infectious diseases can spread through hand contact. Therefore, regular handwashing is essential to reduce the risk of illness and protect our health.

When Should We Wash Our Hands?

• Whenever your hands are dirty 
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating
• Before and after being close to or touching a patient
• After touching your face
• After using the restroom
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After feeding pets
• After handling pet waste
• After taking out the trash or handling waste materials

Soap and Water vs. Hand Sanitizer: Which is Better?

Using hand sanitizer offers convenience, but it may not eliminate certain types of germs, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile (C. diff). Additionally, the effectiveness of hand sanitizer can be reduced when hands are wet or dirty from activities like gardening or sports. Hand sanitizer also cannot wash away harmful chemicals, such as pesticides.

Therefore, washing hands with soap and clean water remains the most effective method for removing germs from the skin compared to using hand sanitizer.

Handwashing: A Simple Habit for Good Health

Handwashing is an easy yet highly beneficial habit that can be practiced anywhere and at any time. It should be integrated into our daily routines to reduce the incidence of illness caused by exposure to various germs. On this Global Handwashing Day, we invite everyone to cultivate the habit of washing hands with soap and clean water correctly and consistently. This practice helps protect yourself from infectious diseases, reduces the spread of germs within the community, and contributes to creating a healthy and safe society for everyone.

Reference

1. BBC News Thai. The Department of Disease Control found the first suspected case of monkeypox (Mpox) Clade 1b strain in Thailand [Internet]. 2024 Aug 21 [cited Sep 15]. Available from: https://www.bbc.com/thai/articles/c4gqzrk447po
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hand Sanitizer Facts [Internet]. 2024 Feb 16 [cited 2024 Sep 15]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/about/index.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hand Sanitizer Facts [Internet]. 2024 Apr 17 [cited 2024 Sep 15]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/clean-hands/data-research/facts-stats/hand-sanitizerfacts.html?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html