Winter brings warmth, closeness, and increased exposure to other people. This puts people at an increased risk of contracting colds and flu during the seasonal shift. Handwashing and other preventative measures are often recommended to reduce our likelihood for flu and cold. But how much of this information is hype, and how effective are these methods for preventing colds and flu? Some people are more likely to get the flu than others. Most people could say they’d like to do anything possible to avoid catching a cold! Here’s a closer look at handwashing for flu and cold prevention and other preventative measures.
Handwashing and Other Preventative Measures for Flu and Cold This Winter
The Importance of Handwashing
Handwashing is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect against germs and illnesses like colds and flu. Our hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, picking up bacteria and viruses that can easily transfer to our eyes, nose, and mouth. Proper handwashing removes these harmful microorganisms, significantly reducing the likelihood of infection.
Regular handwashing also prevents the spread of germs to others, especially in shared spaces like homes, schools, and workplaces. It’s a vital habit for maintaining community health and minimizing outbreaks. Incorporating proper hand hygiene into your daily routine is a small effort that can lead to substantial health benefits for you and those around you.
Does Washing Hands Prevent Colds and Flu?
Viruses and bacteria are the root causes behind colds and flu. Various flu strains exist; most people can contract them through direct contact with an infected person. Sometimes, by coming into contact with things they have touched.
Many viruses and bacteria remain present on surfaces, alive for long enough to spread with close contact. This—combined with a lowered immune system—is how colds and flu most readily spread.
Winter brings colder weather, which makes people spend more time indoors. This allows viruses to enter a household and spread from one person to the next.
The short answer? Washing hands can help to prevent colds and flu, especially when directly exposed to viruses and bacteria.
Antibacterial Soap for Preventing Bacteria
Studies have shown that hand washing with antibacterial soap and water can kill common viruses and bacteria.
People spread the flu virus through direct contact. Washing hands can help reduce contact with the virus. This is true even if someone in the house is already sick. Antibacterial soap is effective, while simply using water would not serve to kill bacteria or reduce germs.
The food and medical industry requires hand washing for a good reason.
Proper Handwashing Technique for Flu and Cold Prevention
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), proper handwashing techniques can reduce the likelihood of spreading germs. The method is taught professionally, ensuring the time is long enough to guarantee clean results.
However, compared to proper handwashing techniques, it covers more areas, giving antibacterial soap additional time to guarantee effectiveness. We expect a higher infection rate when people don’t teach or use proper handwashing techniques.
How and When To Wash Your Hands
- Start by wetting your hands with clean running water and apply soap.
- Lather your hands and scrub them.
- Pay extra attention to your fingers and under your nails.
- Lastly, rinse your hands and dry them.
Use a 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer if you cannot wash your hands with soap and clean water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you wash your hands often, especially:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- After using the toilet
- Before and after eating food
- Blowing your nose or touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- After touching an animal, pet food, or animal waste
Do Flu Vaccines Work?
Flu shots are an effective method against specific flu strains.
Usually, a “flu shot” is made to build your immunity against the most common seasonal flu that’s going around. They are effective but don’t guarantee immunity against all seasonal flu strains.
Cold and Flu Symptoms: When to See a Doctor
Never ignore cold and flu symptoms or assume they’ll disappear.
Associated conditions can develop from basic symptoms. For example, you might develop a lung infection—even though you started with untreated cold or flu symptoms.
Make an appointment as soon as you’ve spotted symptoms or health changes.
Urgent Care Omaha Walk-In Clinics and in Bellevue, NE
Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has four locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our four walk-in clinics are:
Disclaimer
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