Diseases spread through contaminated hands and ways to prevent them

Understanding transmission patterns is indispensable to eradicating common diseases rattling up our public health system. It’s no use beating about the bush until and unless ample knowledge and understanding of such diseases is common among the masses.

Different diseases that are prevalent within a certain age group or population can be easily tackled if people infected know the ways to prevent it. There are a lot of diseases out there that are potentially life threatening to a common UAE household but still people don’t take them seriously. No planning and no implementation intention can successfully happen in a New York minute but simple steps such as maintaining hand hygiene can really help the cause.

When you were young, it would have been puzzling when you were asked to wash hands after using toilet because there were germs present everywhere. You might have questioned yourself or the commanding person to show you where are those pesky organisms hiding but then you would have eventually come around. Well, today we’d like to name a few of those organisms and diseases they cause so that better infection control can be observed.

Healthcare associated diseases

Healthcare associated infections and diseases spread via cross contamination are some of the most dangerous conditions that can affect a patient or even the health care provider. If the examining doctor were to check all patients without washing hands on each new patient while doing rounds, then he/she might be potentially exposing all of them to additional troubles. However, using a hand sanitizer after examining each patient is the common protocol and hence, saves many patients from the troubles of cross infection.

Organisms such as Proteus mirabilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter and others are common on the intact areas of patients’ skin. These can cause wound infections, urinary tract infections, pyelonephritis, and others to name a few. Even hospital acquired pneumonia is one of such diseases that can be avoided by maintaining strict disease control and prevention protocols.

Norovirus

Norovirus is one of those viruses that spread very rapidly and are very contagious. Outbreaks are really common and therefore Center for disease control and prevention, CDC recommends washing your hands often with an antibacterial soap and water, staying home for up to two days even after the symptoms stop, rinsing vegetables and fruits, and avoiding preparation of food for others. Above all, don’t ignore your symptoms. Don’t rush to doctor right away but start taking precautions as soon as you exhibit any symptoms.

Hepatitis A

Not only hepatitis A but all those diseases that spread through feco-oral transmission route can be mostly avoided by washing hands for 20 seconds properly. As for hepatitis A, it is virus that can lead to severe disturbances within your abdomen and liver and may lead to jaundice, fatigue, and fever. Ingesting even small microscopic particles of contaminated fecal matter may lead to you getting the disease. Handling food with clean hands is one of the best defenses against this disease.

Respiratory illnesses

The common cold, flu, and now the coronavirus may also spread via contaminated hands. Sneezing, coughing, and then touching different objects or shaking hands with individuals without washing hands will surely get the virus on their hands making them ill. Even chicken pox and meningitis are one of such diseases that may spread via unwashed hands.

Using alcohol based hand rubs, alcohol based hand sanitizers and washing hands with soap and water frequently can surely curb the spread of such diseases and come to think of it, how easy is it to save someone from days of suffering? You can pick germs from not only dirty hands but also contaminated surfaces and therefore it is equally important to disinfect high audience surfaces throughout the day.

You can debate over active ingredients of all sorts of hygiene products but using those products timely is more important. However, as for sanitizers try buying one with at least 70% alcohol in it. Always check the label before buying the product. One more thing! When you are back home after shopping, wash hands thoroughly – just a friendly reminder.

So this is all about diseases that spread via contaminated hands and what can you do to avoid them. If you still have any questions, then let us know right away. We’ll be more than happy to help you out.