HEALTH IMPACTS

Not washing hands can lead to various health impacts, including:

Spread of Illness: Germs and bacteria can transfer from hands to food, surfaces, and other people, causing illnesses such as colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections.

Foodborne Diseases: Handling food without washing hands can lead to contamination and foodborne illnesses like salmonella and E. coli.

Skin Infections: Not washing hands can contribute to skin infections and conditions, especially if there are cuts or abrasions.

Antibiotic Resistance: Regular hand washing helps prevent the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reducing the risk of serious infections.

Viral Infections: Viruses like norovirus, which cause vomiting and diarrhoea, can spread easily through unwashed hands.

Community Spread: In settings like hospitals and nursing homes, inadequate hand hygiene can lead to outbreaks of infections among vulnerable populations.
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