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.
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.