Winter brings warmth, closeness, and increased exposure to other people. This increases people’s risk of contracting colds and flu during the seasonal shift. Handwashing and other preventative measures for flu and cold are recommended to help you stay healthy. 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. 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. We touch bacteria and viruses that can quickly 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. This is a vital habit for maintaining community health and minimizing outbreaks.
Incorporating proper hand hygiene into your daily routine takes little effort. It can yield 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 contact with an infected person. Sometimes, by coming into contact with things they have touched. This is why avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth is essential.
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, and 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, sometimes by coughing or sneezing in their hands. 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. Instructors teach the method professionally, allocating enough time 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?
The annual flu vaccination is an effective method against specific flu strains.
Usually, a “flu shot” is given to build immunity against the most common seasonal flu strain. 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.
Stay home if you’re sick to protect others from colds, flu, or other respiratory illnesses. Make an appointment as soon as you notice symptoms or health changes.
Our Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics in Omaha, Bennington, West Omaha, Rockbrook, Crossroads & 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 three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:
- Rockbrook Urgent Care
- Crossroads Urgent Care
- Bellevue Urgent Care
- West Omaha Urgent Care
- Bennington Urgent Care
Disclaimer
The information contained on this webpage is for educational purposes as well as to provide general information and general understanding of the pertinent medical issue only, not to provide a specific diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. By using this blog/web site you understand there is no doctor patient relationship between you and the blog/web site publisher. The information included on this site should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed medical professional in your state. Neither Urgent Care Network, its subsidiaries, affiliates, assignees or successors in interest, nor any other party assume liability for loss or damage due to reliance on content of this blog/web site. If you are experiencing a severe medical issue, you should seek emergency assistance immediately.
