About 80% of infectious disease is spread by hand contact.
Hand contact plays a significant role in the transmission of infectious diseases. Here's some information to support the statement:
1. Direct contact: Many infectious diseases can spread through direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids, such as saliva, respiratory droplets, blood, or feces. Hand contact with these fluids can then transfer the pathogens to the mouth, nose, eyes, or other susceptible body parts, leading to infection.
2. Contaminated surfaces: Pathogens can survive on various surfaces for varying lengths of time, depending on several factors. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, touches their face, or handles contaminated objects or surfaces, pathogens can be left behind. If someone else touches these contaminated surfaces and then touches their face or mucous membranes without washing their hands, they can introduce the pathogens into their body.
3. Poor hand hygiene: Inadequate hand hygiene practices contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Failure to wash hands with soap and water, or the improper use of hand sanitizers, can result in the persistence of pathogens on hands. Without proper hand hygiene, people may inadvertently transfer pathogens from contaminated surfaces or objects to their own bodies or to others.
4. Respiratory illnesses: Many respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, influenza, and COVID-19, are highly contagious and primarily spread through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes heavily. These droplets can contaminate surfaces and objects, making hand contact a potential route for transmission if proper hand hygiene is not practiced.
To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, the importance of hand hygiene cannot be overstated. Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or the use of hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not readily available, can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, practicing respiratory etiquette (e.g., covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing), and regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently-touched surfaces can further minimize the transmission of infectious diseases.