Handwashing - an effective way to prevent coronavirus.
Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Head of Social Work and Director of the Infectious Diseases and Neurology Department at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, believes that given the complex developments of the coronavirus epidemic, people should focus on prevention through various methods, preventing the virus from attacking healthy people and enabling those carrying the disease to proactively prevent the virus from spreading. Among these, wearing masks and washing hands are the most effective proactive measures at this time.
Why is handwashing important?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends frequent handwashing or hand sanitizing to help prevent respiratory viruses.
In its recommendations for preventing coronavirus infection, the Ministry of Health advises people to wash their hands thoroughly with soap frequently throughout the day, especially before eating and after using the toilet, and to avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.
According to Doctor Khanh, hands are the area that comes into direct contact with many bodily fluids. When these fluids stick to the hands, we can inadvertently transfer them to our eyes, nose, and mouth. Furthermore, when handling or touching other objects, disease-causing viruses can spread through these fluids into the community.
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Hands are in direct contact with virus-containing secretions, posing a high risk of infection if not washed thoroughly. Photo: SCMP . |
Dr. Tran Vu Quang, from the Central Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital ( Hanoi ), also stated that the influenza virus is transmitted from person to person through tiny droplets expelled when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes. In some cases, the influenza virus can spread when a person's hands come into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces, and then those hands touch the mouth and nose.
Our hands touch shared items like money, doorknobs, handrails on vehicles, cups, bowls, chopsticks, and spoons in restaurants and cafes... then we directly touch food and put it in our mouths, and viruses enter our mouths as well.
Therefore, for respiratory illnesses, the World Health Organization recommends wearing masks and emphasizes proper handwashing before handling food or utensils that may come into contact with the nose and mouth, and avoiding wiping the eyes with dirty hands or towels.
How to wash your hands effectively to remove germs?
While wearing a mask only helps prevent the spread of viruses, washing hands with disinfectant solutions is far more effective in preventing illness.
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Besides wearing masks, handwashing is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at this time. Photo: CDC. |
According to Doctor Truong Huu Khanh, wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of viruses. Meanwhile, washing hands with soap or disinfectant kills bacteria and prevents infection. When washing hands, do not wash them superficially; you must rub and scrub them for at least 20 seconds under running water to thoroughly remove any secretions clinging to your hands.
The Ministry of Health has printed promotional materials outlining the 6 steps for proper handwashing recommended by the WHO for personal hygiene:
Step 1: Wet both hands with clean water. Apply soap to your palms. Rub your palms together.
Step 2: Using the fingers and palm of one hand, wrap and rotate each finger of the other hand in turn, and vice versa.
Step 3: Use the palm of one hand to rub diagonally across the back of the other hand and vice versa.
Step 4: Use the fingertips of one hand to rub between the fingers of the other hand, and vice versa.
Step 5: Bring the five fingertips of one hand together and rub them against the palm of the other hand by rotating them back and forth.
Step 6: Rinse your hands thoroughly under clean running water to remove all soap. Dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel.
It's important to note that the minimum time for each handwashing is 1 minute, and steps 2, 3, 4, and 5 should be repeated at least 5 times each. Therefore, by simply performing this action for at least 1 minute, each person can protect their own health, the health of their loved ones, and the community, as this action eliminates a maximum number of bacteria, reducing the likelihood of contracting and spreading diseases through dirty hands.
Source: http://laocai.edu.vn/tin-trong-nganh/rua-tay-cach-phong-virus-corona-hieu-qua-423671
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