Flu and cold season is well on its way, and although many of us are ready to face the season head on, the basics are often the first things we forget.

Washing your hands is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy this winter season. Although we all know this secret of health, we may need a little reminding to understand why it is so important!

How Do Germs Actually Spread?

In order to appreciate the importance of hand washing, it’s helpful to understand how we get sick in the first place. 

Generally, illness occurs when we are exposed to germs we have not developed animmunity towards. This exposure can occur when you make contact with anything an infected person has touched.

In other words, if you touch an object that has been exposed to a  contagion, then touch your face or food, you will very likely  get sick.

Handwashing’s Effect

Because an amazing 80% of infectious diseases spread through touch, hand washing is essential to staying healthy.  But you must wash your hands frequently and effectively to harness this power. 

The main components of effective hand washing include:

• Creating Friction. The friction created by rubbing your hands together makes both lather and heat, which are effective weapons against germs. Be sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails.
• Warm Water. Without heat, your hand washing won’t be as comfortable for you as it should.
• Soap.  This is  vital to a really effective hand washing regime, so be sure to use plenty of soap and lather up away from the water to give the soap time to work
• Time. The amount of time you spend washing your hands is also important. Most healthcare professionals stress that hands need to be soaped and scrubbed for at least 20 seconds before rinsing under clean running water.

By using these steps to wash your hands frequently this cold and flu season, you will have a much healthier winter!  Contact Insurance Center Associates for more information on staying healthy this winter season.