Respiratory tract infections (RTIs), such as the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, spread easily through droplets and contaminated surfaces. One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent these infections is proper hand hygiene.
Germs, including viruses and bacteria, can survive on hands and objects for hours. When we touch our face—especially the mouth, nose, or eyes—these pathogens can enter the body and cause illness. Regular hand washing with soap and water removes germs before they have a chance to infect us. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective when soap and water are unavailable.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that all surfaces—including between fingers and under nails—are cleaned. Key moments for hand hygiene include:
- Before eating
- After using the restroom
- After coughing or sneezing
- After touching public surfaces
Maintaining hand hygiene not only protects you but also reduces the spread of germs to others, particularly vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Simple, consistent hand hygiene is a powerful, low-cost strategy to prevent respiratory infections and promote overall public health.