Washing your hands after using the toilet may be a simple act, but its importance cannot be overstated, especially if you are aged 50 and above and are more susceptible to illnesses.
However, while the practice is simple, a surprising number of Australians reportedly skip handwashing, per the latest findings from Australia’s Food Safety Information Council after surveying 1,229 individuals.
The responses showed that 19% of Australians don’t wash their hands every time they use the toilet. Are you a part of this statistic? Here’s what could happen if you neglect the habit of handwashing.
The transfer of restroom germs
Considering the myriad of germs and bacteria that can be found in faeces and urine–faeces alone contains more than 100 billion germs per gram–, there is a high risk of transferring these to the mouth and eyes, which can eventually lead to infections and diseases. This risk is not contained to the offending person alone, but rather increases the risk of infection spreading to others via cross contamination of surfaces touched after leaving the bathroom.
Food contamination and foodborne illnesses
Startlingly, the report from the Food Safety Information Council discovered that nearly half of the population (42%) don’t always wash their hands before handling food. Unwashed hands can contaminate food with bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause serious foodborne illnesses.
Susceptibility to serious diseases
Older people are more vulnerable to infections and viruses because their immune systems become compromised and do not work as well as when they were younger. Moreover, there is a high instance of underlying health conditions in older demographics.
By practicing proper handwashing, the chances of getting sick from common colds, flu, COVID-19 and gastroenteritis can be decreased.
Fortunately, the Food Safety Information Council’s report showed that 86% of those over the age of 65 are reportedly washing their hands every time after using the toilet.
The importance of good hand hygiene cannot be stressed enough. It’s a simple yet effective way to protect your health and the health of those around you.
Always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, scrubbing all surfaces including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. This video can be watched as a guide:
And remember, proper handwashing practice is not only important after leaving the toilet. Be sure to practice handwashing before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and after touching pets.
How is your hand hygiene? Do you diligently practice proper handwashing? Have you observed anything questionable about Australians at large and the approach to hand hygiene? Share your thoughts and any tips you might have for maintaining good hand hygiene in the comments below.
Also read: Can washing your bed sheets more often make you healthier?
