The Connection Between Good Hand Hygiene and Swine Flu Prevention

The single best way to keep away from getting affected with swine flu is to get vaccinated every year. However, there are certain hygiene habits like washing hands with Dettol hand wash can also keep the illness away. Such habits stop the spread of germs and keep one guarded against the causes of swine flu.

Swine flu has quickly spread around the world while earning the badge of a pandemic.  5,75,400 people died globally from the 2009 swine flu pandemic, states a report of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In India, swine flu is wreaking havoc in the National Capital Region and other states. More than 6000 people are found to be positive with the virus. The death toll till February 3, 2019, has been recorded as 226.

Though the highly contagious virus of swine flu spreads from person to person through mucus particles and saliva, there are many other ways in which one can catch the infection. These include:

• Encountering pigs – working as a swine farmer or veterinarian
• Encountering an infected person and breathing in tiny droplets containing the flu virus
• Touching a contaminated surface and then without washing hands touching nose, eyes or mouth

Viral particles of the flu enter the body through the respiratory tract; they survive for a brief period on the skin and household surfaces as well. It has been noted that hand hygiene plays an important role in keeping the virus at bay. Averting the spread of germs by washing hands using Dettol hand wash is the single most effective way to stop or slow the spread of this disease. One can protect themselves and their family by:

• Cleaning surfaces regularly
• Carrying tissues or a mask to cover mouth and nose when outdoors
• Washing hands regularly
• Carrying Dettol Hand Sanitizer for situations when washing hands is not a possibility

What Role Does Good Hand Hygiene Play?

The causes of swine flu are well known to the people around the world. However, one thing that people don’t know is that there lies a connection between good hand hygiene and swine flu prevention.

When someone suffering from swine flu sneezes or coughs without covering their nose and mouth, droplets containing the virus disperse in the atmosphere. These infected droplets travel at least a meter. This means that the person sitting close to them has higher chances of breathing in the spray. The droplets fall on surrounding surfaces, and the virus can survive for up to 24 hours on hard surfaces and 20 minutes on the soft ones. When a healthy person touches these surfaces in this time frame, they encounter the virus. When they touch their nose, eyes or mouth without washing hands, the virus finds a way inside the body.

Washing hands thoroughly using Dettol hand wash reduces the risk of hand to hand contamination and prevents the spread of the disease.

The Right Time to Wash Hands

To reduce the odds of encountering the H1N1 virus, it makes sense to wash hands using Dettol hand wash, frequently throughout the day. Especially after sneezing, coughing or disposing used tissues or towels. Washing hands before cooking food, after eating and after taking care of a sick person is also essential.

What is the Right Technique to Wash Hands?

Washing hands might feel like an easy task. However, it isn’t. It is not about the number of times one washes their hands. It’s about the technique they use to wash hands. Most of us have a habit of washing our hands for less than 10 seconds. Experts suggest that one should dedicate a minimum of 30 seconds to hand washing. One can either count till 30 or sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice.

For effective hand washing, one should first wet the hands and then apply Dettol hand wash. Rub the palms together by interlacing the fingers and clean the back of the hand and nails as well. Rinse the hands under lukewarm water and dry using a soft and clean towel.

Final Words!

Swine flu is a deadly disease that can affect people of all ages. Apart from getting vaccinated every year, people must practice good hand hygiene, keep their surroundings clean, always eat healthy food and stay alert.