Preventing flu viruses through hand hygiene

Now in winter, hand hygiene is doubly important. Clean hands not only protect against a flu infection, but also prevent the excessive spread of viruses.

For several years, doctors have been advising, just in time for the cold season, in October/November, Flu shot. The addressee is all people, after consultation with their Doctor. Older and more vulnerable people in particular are advised to take this precautionary measure for themselves. If they get the flu, it can have dangerous consequences. If the annual wave of flu and colds hits the country, even those who are not vaccinated (especially since the vaccination does not work against a flu infection) can protect themselves from the viruses. Those who follow a few rules have the best chance of getting through the cold and flu season unscathed.

Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly

Viruses spread wherever people are. On door handles, computer keyboards, on handrails on public transport, on the coffee machine, no matter where, viruses are all around us. But they only become dangerous when they come into contact with the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. This usually happens via the hands. When you put something in your mouth, blow your nose or simply wipe your face. If your hands are washed properly, the pathogenic viruses should also have disappeared and infection is usually avoided (unless it is a real case of influenza, in which case washing your hands will not help). But what is proper hand hygiene? Your hands must be soaped under warm water for at least 20 seconds (the equivalent of singing "Happy Birthday" twice). Only then will there be a noticeable cleaning effect. The palms, backs of your hands, fingertips, finger spaces and thumbs must be cleaned carefully and individually. Then dry your hands with a clean towel.
Since frequent washing puts enormous strain on the skin, it is important not to fall into a washing hysteria and to decide when to wash depending on your life situation. For example, normal hand hygiene after going to the toilet, before eating, after blowing your nose, after contact with sick people, etc. is sufficient if you are moving around in your own four walls. Otherwise, hands should be cleaned thoroughly immediately after coming home or after contact with surfaces that are touched by many people. If that is not possible, the first step is not to touch your face so that the viruses do not come into contact with your nose and mouth.

Avoid direct contact

Of course, it is best not to come into contact with surfaces that many people have touched. Therefore, it is sometimes better to open the door with your elbow or operate the light switch in a similar way rather than with your hand. Even the polite handshake should be avoided if you are suffering from a flu infection yourself. Hand hygiene means protecting not only yourself but also others. This should not lead to hysteria. Normally, the immune system of a healthy person is well equipped. However, if half the country is coughing and sniffling, care should be taken to ensure that the existing viruses are not spread indiscriminately. This applies in both directions.

Generally pay attention to hand hygiene

Viruses of all kinds exist throughout the year. They are usually not dangerous for a healthy person. But there are also sick and elderly people for whom a virus can be fatal or result in lengthy treatment. These people need to be protected by keeping the spread of viruses in check through careful behavior and appropriate hand hygiene. In this way, an infection can be a heart patients or at Diabetes become a serious danger. If a gastrointestinal infection spreads, which often accompanies flu and colds, old and weak people are particularly at risk from the loss of fluids and electrolytes caused by diarrhea. Ultimately, we all benefit from a healthy environment.