Washing hands with soap: Small thing, big meaning

Students of Nguyen An Ninh Primary School (Tam Hiep Ward, Dong Nai Province) wash their hands with soap before eating in the boarding school model. Photo: Hanh Dung

Especially in the context of the current increasing risk of some infectious diseases, washing hands with soap properly and at the right time is not only a personal hygiene habit but also a "shield" to effectively prevent some dangerous diseases.

Practice good habits

The habit of washing hands with soap has been maintained by Ms. Tran Thi Lieu's family (living in Trang Dai ward, Dong Nai province) for many years. Especially since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ms. Lieu has paid special attention to washing hands with soap.

“I regularly remind my husband, children and family members to wash their hands with soap before eating, after using the toilet or coming home from outside. So far, everyone in the family has done a good job of removing bacteria from their hands and avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth,” said Ms. Lieu.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hand washing with soap can reduce the risk of diarrhea by up to 35% and the risk of acute respiratory infections by 45%. This is one of the simple, inexpensive but highly effective disease prevention measures.

Not only in families but also in many schools in the province, right from the time students enter first grade, teachers have instructed them on how to wash their hands properly and cleanly. From there, good habits are formed so that when they return home, students also do the same.

In medical facilities, doctors and nurses strictly follow the rules of hand washing with soap or hand sanitizing with antiseptic solution before each procedure or medical order related to patients. In particular, before entering the operating room, doctors must thoroughly wash their hands to ensure patient safety.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hands are in direct contact with many surfaces and objects every day, so they easily carry bacteria and viruses. Washing hands with soap helps eliminate most pathogens, limiting the risk of transmission to yourself and those around you. Especially during the epidemic season, washing hands properly is an important measure to prevent diseases such as flu, Covid-19, hand, foot and mouth disease, acute diarrhea, etc.

In fact, it has been proven that in schools, when children are instructed to wash their hands with soap regularly, the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease, intestinal diseases and other infectious diseases is significantly reduced. In hospitals, compliance with hand hygiene by medical staff also helps to significantly reduce cross-infection during medical examination and treatment.

Effective disease prevention

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, there are 5 important times when everyone needs to wash their hands with soap. These are before preparing food; before eating or feeding children; after using the toilet; after caring for a sick person and after contact with waste, garbage or animals.

In addition, you should wash your hands when they are dirty, after coughing or sneezing, when returning home from a public place or when in contact with money, doorknobs, or telephones, which are places with many potential pathogens.

Master Huynh Tu Anh, Deputy Head of the Professional Department (Dong Nai Department of Health) emphasized: To achieve high efficiency, hand washing time should last at least 20 seconds with all 6 steps according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health, including: rubbing the palms, back of the hands, between the fingers, nails, fingertips, thumbs and wrists. Using soap or alcohol-based sanitizer (if soap and clean water are not available) is a must to kill and eliminate bacteria and viruses.

Master Huynh Tu Anh shared: The habit of washing hands with soap is small and simple but has great significance, helping to prevent diseases effectively. Of course, this habit cannot be formed overnight but requires guidance and regular reminders from family, school and society. Parents are the first and most important people to help children learn how to wash their hands properly, turning this action into a natural daily reflex.

In addition, each individual needs to raise awareness of protecting themselves and the community by washing their hands regularly, not afraid to remind others when they forget. Agencies, units, and schools need to maintain adequate facilities such as: hand washing sinks, soap, clean water to create favorable conditions for everyone to practice.

Hanh Dung

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202510/rua-tay-voi-xa-phong-chuyen-nho-y-nghia-lon-8bf3f0d/