Handwashing keeps winter germs at bay

Research indicates that as many as 10 infection-causing germs can be kept under control with this one solution.

Most people around the globe practise some form of daily handwashing, which serves two purposes, namely getting hands clean by removing smells, visible dirt or the feel of dirtiness; and making hands safe and hygienic by removing microscopic pathogens that can cause illness.

A simple step to help avoid infections

Promoting the importance of handwashing in the prevention of colds and flu this year, Lifebuoy has distributed posters and teaching aids to thousands of primary schools in an effort to assist educators and learners to spread this important message among their communities.

Ethne Whitley, spokesperson for Lifebuoy, says while the act of handwashing has been proven to save lives, it's extremely important to promote the message as widely as possible.

"Promoting, learning, teaching and practising proper handwashing with soap among school children is a simple and important contribution to a healthy community and shows that children are taking responsibility for health and hygiene issues," she says.

Don't be a dope - use soap

"Using soap is important as soap is effective at cleansing and removing germs. Soap helps to dislodge and loosen dirt and germs on the hands, so that it is rinsed away. With the help of Yvonne Chaka Chaka, who is an ambassador for the project, we're spreading this important message as widely as possible."

Handwashing with soap helps to prevent flu, acute respiratory infection, diarrhoea, enteric fever, sore throat, body odour, heat rash, spots, dysentery and ear infection.

With various germs surviving on your hands for anywhere between 90 minutes and three hours, it's important to wash hands regularly. This includes before eating and preparing food; after using the toilet and after sneezing, blowing your nose, and coughing.

There are five easy steps to basic handwashing:
1. Wet your hands.
2. Use Lifebuoy soap.
3. Rub your hands together for 15 seconds.
4. Rub between your fingers.
5. Rinse and dry your hands with a clean towel.

Whitley concludes, "It's a well-researched and well-known fact that respiratory infections and diarrhoea are major causes of death among children under the age of five. Breaking the chain of infection by simply handwashing with soap, over one million lives can be saved each year."