Preventing Diseases in Schools: Expert Advice on the Power of Hand Hygiene

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"Banana fritters!" squealed 10-year-old Sam as he rushed towards his desk along with his friends, eyeing the hot banana fritters that his teacher, Ms. Rao had brought in for the class. Before he could sit and indulge, Ms. Rao caught him by the hand. He gave her a confused, innocent look. "First, wash your hands, then you can have them hot, Sam," she said. "No," he replied stubbornly, trying to pull his hand away. "Sam, do you want to eat those snacks along with the dirt and germs that are on your hands? Do you want to risk getting sick?" she asked.

"But it's ok Miss! Can't I just eat? I don't want to go all the way to the washroom to hand wash," Sam whined, frustration creeping into his voice that he almost cried in irritation. "That's exactly the problem, Sam. You just came from the playground, where you've touched a lot of things; the ball, the ground and so much more all in the dust and dirt and there are germs everywhere," she explained. Sam frowned, his excitement now mingled with hesitation. Reluctantly, he made his way to the sink along with his friends, realizing that skipping this small step wasn't worth the risk.

In the hustle of everyday life, simple habits like handwashing can often be overlooked, especially by children. But as Sam's teacher points out, schools and especially playgrounds are breeding grounds for germs, and hand hygiene is one of the simplest, most effective ways to prevent the spread of illness.
Let's explore further the importance of hand hygiene in schools, backed by expert advice, and how something as simple as washing your hands can make a world of difference in preventing diseases.

Hand Hygiene: A Simple Solution to a Serious Problem

Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of diseases, particularly in schools, where children frequently interact in close quarters. Dr. Vinay Hosadurga, MBBS, MD, a renowned general physician at Vasavi Hospitals, Bangalore emphasizes that schools can become hotspots for germs, with shared objects and common areas providing ample opportunities for infections to spread. Implementing and promoting proper hand hygiene practices in educational settings can significantly reduce illness and create a healthier environment.

How Diseases Spread in Schools

"Schools facilitate the spread of illnesses through various means, including airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing, shared surfaces, and inadequate hygiene habits. Common illnesses affecting school-aged children include influenza, colds, gastrointestinal infections, and respiratory viruses like RSV. The recent uptick in these infections underscores the urgent need for improved hygiene practices in schools, particularly as children are naturally inclined to touch everything from books to playground equipment", he said.

The Critical Role of Hand Hygiene

According to Dr. Vinay Hosadurga, practising proper hand hygiene can dramatically decrease the risk of infections in schools. Key moments for hand washing include before eating, after using the restroom, and after sneezing or coughing. Emphasizing hand hygiene is vital to reduce absenteeism due to preventable illnesses, especially in light of recent health concerns surrounding viral and gastrointestinal infections among children.

Steps for Effective Hand Hygiene

Dr. Hosadurga recommends the following steps for proper hand hygiene:

1. Use Soap and Water: Scrub all areas of the hands thoroughly.
2. Scrub for 20 Seconds: This duration is essential to effectively eliminate germs.
3. Rinse and Dry: Rinse hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel or let them air dry. If soap and water are unavailable, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are effective alternatives.

Schools' Role in Promoting Hand Hygiene

He said that schools play a pivotal role in instilling hand hygiene habits. By providing handwashing stations, ensuring the availability of soap and sanitizer, and displaying reminders around the campus, schools can create a culture of hygiene. Incorporating hand hygiene education into daily activities and leading by example can further reinforce these essential practices among children.

* A Call to Action*

Hand hygiene is a straightforward yet powerful method to reduce disease transmission in schools. By taking a proactive approach, educational institutions can minimize illness and foster a healthier learning environment for all students, he added.Dr. Vinay Hosadurga states, "Teaching children proper hand hygiene is crucial not only for their health but also for their classmates. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness and should be prioritized in every school."

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.