Global handwashing day
Friday October 15th, 2010
People are being reminded to wash their hands properly to prevent diseases.
The
plea comes from the UK Health Protection Agency, which is marking Global
Handwashing Day today (Oct 15).
Professor Mike Catchpole, an expert in the causes of infectious disease and Head of the HPA’s national epidemiology and surveillance team, said handwashing prevented infection and stopped dirt, viruses and bacteria from being spread from person to person.
There are many research studies that show that both gastrointestinal infections and influenza can be prevented by practising good hand hygiene, he said.
Many studies from around the world have found faecal contamination in everyday foods and on surfaces in catering establishments and in nurseries, indicating a lack of handwashing practice.
A UK study in 2008 found that a large number of commuters’ hands were contaminated with bacteria.
“I’m sure most people when they hear of faecal contamination in foods and on surfaces think, ‘yuk, that’s disgusting’, but unfortunately the truth is that not all people consistently wash their hands after going to the toilet or before handling food,” said Professor Catchpole.
“I’m sure we have all been in a public toilet and seen other people briefly passing their fingers underneath the taps without using soap but this not sufficient to remove dirt, viruses or bacteria.
“The HPA wants to remind people on Global Handwashing Day that there are few things that are as cheap and effective at preventing disease as handwashing so we encourage everyone to lather up to kill the bugs.
“Parents also have a very important role to play in ensuring their children are given good advice at home; children are particularly at risk of picking up infections and spreading them to other people.”
No special products are necessary to be effective in most situations, he added. The HPA recommends using liquid soap and water and then drying the hands.
Tags: MRSA & Hygiene | Nursing & Midwifery | UK News | World Health
Printer friendly page