The benefits of hand washing save lives! You can get rid of the infection by washing your hands, which invites many diseases in daily life! May 5, World Hand Washing Day was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) to draw attention to the value of hand washing. In this context, the value of hand washing is reminded every year for everyone. Koç University Hospital Infectious Diseases Department Leader, Turkish Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Association (KLİMİK) Administrative Council Member Prof. Dr. Önder Ergönül also drew attention to the importance of hand washing.
HAND WASHING REDUCES THE RISK OF DIAREAS!
The most valuable benefit of hand washing is to protect ourselves from germs and prevent diseases. Studies have shown that regular hand washing prevents diseases such as respiratory tract and diarrhea.
It has been shown many times that diarrhea is prevented if hand washing is applied actively. Respiratory tract infections are also significantly reduced. While we are talking or even laughing, we can unknowingly scatter droplets around. Droplets of infected individuals contain influenza or, for example, respiratory tract pathogens. While these droplets emitted by the patients settle on various surfaces, others can also get these diseases by touching these surfaces. Especially in public transportation, this possibility is more in public places. Frequent hand washing protects us from unseen risks.
UNNECESSARY ANTIBIOTIC USE CAUSES ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE!
Antimicrobial resistance, which often occurs as a result of unnecessary antibiotic use, has become an increasing problem all over the world in recent years. Antimicrobial resistance is a big problem, especially in countries like Southern Europe and Turkey. Because we have not used antibiotics rationally for years, we are faced with antimicrobial resistance. Resistant bacteria are difficult to treat. Patients infected with these antimicrobial-resistant bacteria can die. It is to provide the most basic hand hygiene against these bacteria that endanger the lives of patients. In this way, we can be protected from bacteria, and therefore we can reduce the need for antibiotic use.
If healthcare workers are not careful enough, it can cause the spread of antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
Health workers may unwittingly mediate the transmission of these resistant bacteria and act as vectors. Healthcare professionals need to understand the value of hand washing and set an example for their patients in this respect. Positive examples always attract more attention. That’s why being a positive role model is so valuable.
