Dirty hands can be a breeding ground for germs, and can spread diseases and infections. Some of the most common dangers of dirty hands include:
- Food poisoning: When germs from dirty hands contaminate food, it can cause food poisoning. Food poisoning can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, food poisoning can lead to hospitalization or even death.
- Respiratory infections: Germs from dirty hands can also spread respiratory infections, such as the common cold, the flu, and pneumonia. These infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat. In severe cases, respiratory infections can lead to hospitalization or even death.
- Skin infections: Germs from dirty hands can also cause skin infections, such as impetigo and cellulitis. These infections can cause a variety of symptoms, including redness, swelling, pain, and drainage. In severe cases, skin infections can lead to hospitalization or even death.
“Global Handwashing Day is a yearly reminder that handwashing with soap and water is one of the best steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. This year’s theme, “Clean Hands Are Within Reach,” calls for coordinated action as we actively work toward universal hand hygiene.
Many germs that can make people sick are spread when we don’t wash our hands with soap and clean, running water. That is why handwashing is so important, especially at key times such as after using the bathroom, when preparing food, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Handwashing with soap and water is simple and inexpensive, and it can significantly reduce the number of young children who get sick. Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Studies show that handwashing education in the community can:
- Reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by about 23%–40%
- Reduce the number of school days children missed because of gastrointestinal illness by 29%–57%
- Reduce diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by about 58%
- Reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by about 16%–21%
Learn more about hand hygiene at home and around your community.”
(Global Handwashing Day | CDC)
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