The Role of Handwashing in Preventing Disease
Handwashing is a simple yet crucial action in maintaining health and preventing the spread of diseases. According to Indonesia’s Ministry of Health, washing hands with soap can significantly reduce the risk of contracting various infectious diseases such as diarrhea, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. This fact underscores that handwashing is not only a hygiene habit but also a fundamental preventive health measure.
Why Is Handwashing Important?
Hands are the part of the body that most frequently comes into direct contact with objects around us, including items that may be contaminated with germs. Without realizing it, our hands become a medium for spreading various pathogens that cause illness. Some viruses and bacteria can survive on surfaces for several hours or even days. Regular handwashing, especially with soap and running water, is highly effective in killing germs and preventing the transmission of infectious diseases such as COVID-19, flu, and gastrointestinal infections.
Benefits of Handwashing:
1. Prevents Diarrhea: Diarrheal diseases are often caused by bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, which can be transmitted through contaminated food and drinks. Germs on unwashed hands can enter the body if hands are not clean before eating or handling food. Washing hands before meals can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea.
2. Reduces Risk of Respiratory Infections: Illnesses such as flu, coughs, colds, and even pneumonia can spread through contact, especially after touching objects contaminated with germs. Regularly washing hands after coughing, sneezing, or touching public surfaces can help reduce the risk of spreading these diseases.
3. Protects Against Skin Diseases: Germs on the hands can cause infections on the skin, including eczema or dermatitis, if hands are not clean when touching the face or other parts of the body. Therefore, handwashing also helps protect skin health.
Proper Handwashing Steps
Handwashing must be done correctly to be effective. The following steps are recommended by the Ministry of Health:
1. Wet hands with clean running water.
2. Use soap and rub both palms together until lathered.
3. Scrub the backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails thoroughly.
4. Continue by rubbing the thumbs and the tips of the fingers.
5. Rinse hands under running water and dry them with a clean towel or disposable tissue.
This process should take at least 20 seconds to ensure hands are thoroughly cleaned from germs.
Key Moments for Handwashing
Handwashing should not be done only occasionally but at key moments that are prone to disease transmission. Some of these moments include:
- Before eating and preparing food, especially after handling raw ingredients.
- After using the toilet or changing diapers.
- After touching animals or dirty objects.
- After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Before touching the face, especially the nose, mouth, and eyes, which are primary entry points for germs into the body.
- After outdoor activities or being in public areas.
By making a habit of washing hands regularly, we can protect ourselves and others from various infectious diseases. This simple step makes a significant impact in efforts to maintain public health, especially during a pandemic.
Source:
- [The Importance of Handwashing for Health](https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/139/pentingnya-cuci-tangan-untuk-kesehatan)
- [The Importance of Handwashing: Benefits, Steps, and Key Moments](https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/2425/pentingnya-cuci-tangan-manfaat-langkah-dan-momen-yang-tepat)