Handwashing should not be less than 30 seconds for a strong immune system and protection against epidemics!
With the increase in infectious diseases during winter, attention is being drawn to hand hygiene. Experts recommend washing hands with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially in crowded environments and situations involving frequent hand contact (such as shopping and public transportation). If there is visible dirt, antimicrobial soap can be used. It is crucial to lather all surfaces of the hands thoroughly and rinse them well. Insufficient hand hygiene increases the risk of infection, while regular handwashing helps prevent many infections.
Hand hygiene is essential for a strong immune system!
As winter sets in, spending more time in enclosed and crowded spaces accelerates the spread of infectious diseases. Emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene to protect against contagious infections, experts recommend frequent handwashing, ensuring that each session lasts at least 30 seconds.
Assistant Professor Ahmet Murat Koca, a General Surgery Specialist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital, highlighted the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases during winter and stressed the importance of hand hygiene.
Stating that a lack of proper hand hygiene invites infections, Dr. Koca noted that washing hands can significantly prevent the spread of infections.
Hands should be washed after hand contact
Dr. Koca emphasized the importance of washing hands whenever possible to maintain proper hygiene. He advised that after routine activities requiring hand contact in daily life such as shopping, using public transportation, or handling money and people should clean their hands with water and non-antimicrobial solid or liquid soap.
What is the ideal way to wash hands?
Explaining that microorganisms that come into contact with the skin during daily activities can be completely removed with soap and water, Dr. Koca stated that “Hands should always be washed with appropriate soap, and the washing time should be at least 30 seconds. Additionally, if hands are visibly dirty, antimicrobial soap can be used. Handwashing should start by wetting the hands with water. Then, 3-5 ml of soap should be applied, and hands should be rubbed together for at least 15 seconds. It is important to ensure that all surfaces of the hands and fingers are covered with soap. Finally, hands should be rinsed with water and dried thoroughly.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)