Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, is encouraging families to improve their handwashing habits this Global Handwashing Day (15 October).

Handwashing may seem like a small everyday task, but it is one of the simplest ways to help prevent illness. Our hands touch taps, phones, door handles, money, shared desks, shopping trolleys, pets, food, and many other surfaces throughout the day. Germs can then enter the body when we touch our eyes, nose, or mouth.

Unwashed hands can transfer germs to food, other people, and frequently touched objects. This can contribute to the spread of respiratory infections, stomach illnesses, food poisoning, and other infections.

Handwashing is especially important in homes with babies, older people, or anyone whose immune system has been weakened by illness or medical treatment.

How Soap and Water Remove Germs

Washing with water alone is not enough. Many germs, dirt particles, and traces of grease can remain on the skin unless soap is used.

Soap loosens dirt, grease, and germs from the hands. Rubbing the hands together helps lift them from the skin, while running water rinses them away. Drying is also important because germs can spread more easily from wet hands than from dry hands.

How Soap and Water Remove Germs

Washing with water alone is not enough. Many germs, dirt particles, and traces of grease can remain on the skin unless soap is used.

Soap loosens dirt, grease, and germs from the hands. Rubbing the hands together helps lift them from the skin, while running water rinses them away. Drying is also important because germs can spread more easily from wet hands than from dry hands.

Are You Washing Long Enough?

A quick splash under the tap does not clean every part of the hands. Proper handwashing should take at least 20 seconds.

Follow these steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.
2. Apply enough soap to cover both hands.
3. Rub your palms together to create a lather.
4. Clean the backs of your hands, between your fingers, around your thumbs, and under your fingernails.
5. Do not forget your fingertips and wrists.
6. Keep rubbing for at least 20 seconds.
7. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
8. Dry them with a clean towel or allow them to air-dry.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

You do not need to wash your hands after touching every object. However, there are times when handwashing is particularly important.

Wash your hands:

• Before preparing, serving, or eating food.
• After handling raw meat, poultry, seafood, or eggs.
• After using the toilet or helping a child use it.
• After changing a baby’s nappy.
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Before and after caring for someone who is ill.
• Before and after cleaning or covering a cut.
• After touching rubbish, animals, animal waste, or pet food.
• When you return home from a public place.
• Whenever your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Teach children to cough or sneeze into a tissue or the inside of their elbow instead of their hands. Used tissues should be thrown away immediately, followed by proper handwashing.

Is Hand Sanitiser Enough?

Alcohol-based hand sanitiser is useful when soap and water are unavailable. Choose a product containing at least 60% alcohol, apply enough to cover every part of the hands, and rub until completely dry.

However, sanitiser does not remove every type of germ, dirt, grease, or harmful chemical. Soap and running water remain the better choice after using the toilet, changing a nappy, or handling food or rubbish, and whenever hands are visibly dirty.

Adults should supervise young children when they use sanitiser and store it safely out of reach, as swallowing it can be dangerous. Gloves are also not a replacement for clean hands. Hands should be cleaned before putting gloves on and after taking them off.

Conclusion

Proper handwashing is a simple habit that can protect an entire household. Taking 20 seconds to wash carefully can help stop germs from spreading to food, faces, surfaces, and other people. This Global Handwashing Day, check your family’s technique, keep soap near every basin, and remind children that clean-looking hands are not always germ-free. Affinity Health supports families through access to healthcare professionals, 24/7 Telehealth GP consultations, unlimited managed visits to a Medical Society, and affordable health cover options that can help members seek medical advice when symptoms of an infection develop.

About Affinity Health

Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health cover provider, offering you a range of options at affordable rates, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of having medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters the most. We strive to give our members peace of mind and the highest standard of service. For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.