Hand washing is one of the easiest and most basic ways to prevent the spread of germs and infection. It is continually emphasized during medical training because health worker-related infection remains a patient care issue around the globe according to the World Health Organization. If you are interested in a career in health care, here’s why proper hand washing is so essential.

The Importance of Proper Hand Washing

Washing your hands before caring for a sick person is necessary because of the many germs your hands accumulate throughout the day. Whether you are touching objects, people, or surfaces, you are coming into contact with debris and bacteria. Moreover, such accumulation increases whenever you handle garbage, use the bathroom, touch an animal or its waste, and cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.

Human and animal waste contains germs such as e.coli, salmonella, and the norovirus that causes diarrhea as well as respiratory infections such as hand-foot-mouth disease and adenovirus. Using the toilet or changing a diaper are among the most common ways these germs end up on hands according to the Center For Disease Control. However, transmission can also occur from handling raw meat featuring fecal traces. The CDC notes a single gram of human waste contains up to one trillion germs.

How It Spreads & Proper Techniques

Germs on unwashed hands easily spread to other people, food, and drinks. Medical assistants, nurses, and doctors must wash their hands often during work hours to prevent the spread of germs as well as antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for diarrhea and other infections that are easily avoided with consistent, correct hand washing. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily increases a patient’s resistance to the medicine, making future doses for more serious health issues less effective.

Hands must be washed under running water using liquid soap. Rub your hands together vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds before thoroughly rinsing them and using a sanitary towel, such as a disposable paper towel, for drying purposes.

Interested in a career in health care? Big Apple Training provides comprehensive medical training for many rewarding professions. The White Plains, NY, center trains individuals for jobs as certified nurse assistants, home health aides, and EKG technicians. Call (914) 437-7373 to learn more about a career in health care or visit the website for additional information about what they offer. Like the Facebook page for the latest tips and news.