By Winnie Osika
Health experts say that the main route through which Covid-19 disease is transmitted is inhalation of respiratory droplets from someone who has the disease. Though not as common, it is possible to get infected by the coronavirus through touching surfaces, such as desks, handrails, or doorknobs, where respiratory droplets from an infected person may have settled.
One important way through which the spread of the disease can be avoided is good hygiene. If basic hygiene measures are followed, the general health of an individual improves.
A study done in 2006 by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information in the USA on handwashing and risk of respiratory infections showed that hand washing can cut the risk of respiratory infection by 16 percent. A similar study done in 2008 showed a reduction in respiratory infections by 21 percent. It has therefore been demonstrated that handwashing is associated with lowered infection of the respiratory system.
“Basic hand hygiene has played a role not only in the reduction cases of Covid-19 but also in other diseases. We are now seeing fewer cases of diarrheal diseases in children, common cold, influenza and nosocomial infections (infections that are acquired in a hospital or other health care facility). Good hygiene is therefore important for the general well being of a person,” Says Dr. Majid Twahir- Associate Dean Clinical Affairs at Agha Khan Hospital.
Information on Covid-19 is still scanty. As such, medical experts are still trying to figure a way around the disease and how they can get a cure for it. The basic practical preventive measures are currently wearing masks, maintaining social distance and observing hand hygiene.
Hand hygiene has particularly been emphasized as it is through infected hands that the disease spreads to the entire body. The spread has also been linked to the fact that an average person touches their face 23 times per hour.
It’s important to avoid touching the face because germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth. Contaminated hands can transfer the virus when people rub their eyes, scratch their noses, or touch their mouths. But since one cannot stay without touching their face, proper washing of hands is recommended.
Cleaning of hands should include soap and running water. Hands should be scrubbed thoroughly for about 20 seconds. The use of sanitizer is equally important but should not replace the normal washing of hands.
