Although modern medicine has made remarkable strides in recent years, prevention is still better than the cure, and this often begins with the simplest of daily habits. Chief among these is hand hygiene—a powerful yet frequently underestimated tool in the fight against infectious diseases. Research has consistently shown that proper handwashing at the right times can significantly reduce the spread of infections, particularly those transmitted through touch.
Why Hand Hygiene Matters
Our hands are among the most frequently used parts of the body throughout the day. Unfortunately, they are also one of the primary pathways for germ transmission. Statistics indicate that approximately 80% of infectious diseases are spread by touch. When a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes, harmful microbes can easily enter the body, leading to illness. Regular handwashing can help prevent a variety of illnesses, including:
Foodborne illnesses
Respiratory infections
Influenza and the common cold
Gastrointestinal viruses
Skin and eye infections
Hand hygiene is not only a personal responsibility but a collective one. In crowded or public environments, the potential for infection multiplies, making routine handwashing an essential habit for community health.
The Best Time to Wash Your Hands
Handwashing is most effective when done at critical times—those moments when the risk of infection transmission is highest. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the following scenarios are key times to wash your hands:
Before handling food:
Even if hands appear clean, they can carry invisible germs from surfaces. Washing before cooking or eating helps prevent the transfer of pathogens to food and ultimately, into the body.
After using the toilet or changing a child’s nappy:
Even microscopic traces of human waste can harbour vast numbers of bacteria and viruses. Washing hands after these activities is especially important for protecting vulnerable individuals like children with weaker immune systems.
After coughing or sneezing:
Covering your mouth and nose during a sneeze or cough is important, but germs can remain on your hands. Washing them helps stop the spread of airborne viruses to others.
After handling rubbish or cleaning surfaces:
These environments are hotspots for microbial growth. Washing hands after cleaning helps prevent spreading contamination around the home or workplace.
After touching animals, pet food, or their waste:
Pets may carry bacteria such as Salmonella or parasites that can be transferred indirectly to humans. Handwashing reduces this risk.
After returning from public or crowded places:
Whether you’ve been on public transport, at the mall, in a place of worship, or in a classroom, washing hands after exposure to public spaces is a healthy practice that minimises daily infection risks.
The Right Way to Wash Your Hands
Contrary to popular belief, handwashing involves more than just a quick rinse. Effective hand hygiene requires a scientific approach to ensure germs are completely removed. WHO and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the following steps for washing hands with soap and water:
Wet hands thoroughly with clean, running water.
Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.
Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to:
The backs of the hands
Between the fingers
Fingertips and under the nails
The wrists
Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Dry hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
When soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content can be used. It should be rubbed over all hand surfaces until completely dry. Do not rinse or wipe off sanitiser, as this reduces its effectiveness.
A Public Health Priority: Hand Hygiene Beyond the Individual
Though it may seem like a personal habit, hand hygiene has far-reaching public health implications. The choice of one individual to wash their hands—or not—can influence the health of everyone around them. This is especially true in shared spaces such as schools, hospitals, offices, and public transportation.
In educational settings, studies show that teaching children proper handwashing habits can reduce absenteeism due to viral infections by up to 40%. In healthcare facilities, hand hygiene is the first and most critical line of defence against healthcare-associated infections. Medical staff who consistently follow hand hygiene protocols help reduce the spread of infections such as bloodstream infections or urinary tract infections.
WHO reports that adherence to handwashing practices in healthcare settings could save up to 8 million lives each year worldwide.
Even in office environments, encouraging hand hygiene by providing hand sanitisers and promoting regular washing can reduce flu outbreaks, lower sick leave rates, and improve overall employee well-being and productivity.
Conclusion
Hand hygiene is more than just a routine—it’s a culture of care and consciousness. It’s a simple, accessible act with the power to protect individuals and entire communities. Each hand washed at the right moment is a step towards a healthier, more resilient society. Let’s turn handwashing from a habit into a shared value we pass down to future generations.
By: Dr Badreyya Al-Harmi, Consultant Public Health
