Winter is historically marked by an increase in people getting sick. That’s because certain conditions common to winter can make it easier for infectious agents to spread.
Handwashing becomes even more essential as winter rears its chilly head.
Northwestern Medicine says the body is not as effective at fighting a virus when cold air enters the nose and upper airways. That means the flu, common cold and even COVID-19 can spread more easily in the winter. Also, people tend to huddle indoors where it is warm when the mercury outside drops. That puts people in closer contact with others who may be harboring these viruses or other infectious diseases in their bodies. Individuals often get less exposure to sunlight during the winter, which can adversely affect their natural production of vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to a weakened immune system, which can make fighting illnesses more difficult.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says handwashing is an important step in staying healthy all year long, and especially during the winter when conditions are ripe for the spread of disease. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean running water. The CDC says that, in addition to the viruses mentioned above, people can become ill from exposure to even small amounts of feces from people or animals, which can contain Salmonella, E. coli and norovirus. It also may spread some respiratory infections like adenovirus and hand-foot-mouth disease. These germs can get onto hands after people use the toilet or change a diaper, but also after handling raw meats that have minute amounts of animal feces on them.
The Cleveland Clinic advises that a person can prevent one in three illnesses that cause diarrhea and one in five respiratory infections simply by keeping hands clean. Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to objects like tabletops, door handles and even foods and beverages, which underscores the significance of handwashing.
The best way to wash hands involves some easy steps.
- You should wash your hands frequently, and especially after using the toilet; changing diapers; before, during and after preparing food; before eating; before touching your nose, eyes or mouth (including handling dentures or orthodontic aligners); after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose; and when you arrive home from shopping or being in high-traffic public areas.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water and use soap if it is available. Any soap will do. Antibacterial products are not essential.
- Lather up for about 20 seconds, says Nemours KidsHealth, and make sure to get in between fingers, on the back of hands and under the nails where germs like to linger. Don’t forget to also wash the wrists.
- If possible, remove rings and watches before washing hands, or try to at least move the rings to wash under them.
- Rinse hands well under running water to remove all traces of soap.
- Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them. It is best to use paper towels or a single-use cloth towel.
- Use a clean paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door in public restrooms. People at home should routinely wipe down faucets and handles with cleansing products to remove germs from these high-touch points. Frequent laundering of towels also can be effective.
