Washing your hands: This is how you protect yourself from dangerous germs!

Washing your hands: This is how you protect yourself from dangerous germs!

Washing your hands is not only a hygienic obligation, but also a crucial protection against illness! Recent research shows that water temperature does not play a role when washing hands. A study by MedUni Vienna has shown that cold water (4 degrees Celsius) is just as effective as warm water (40 degrees Celsius) in killing E. coli bacteria. This is reported by the German Society for General and Hospital Hygiene and suggests that the duration of washing is the decisive factor. Washing your hands for ten seconds with cold water leads to a significant reduction in germs, which is only slightly behind the use of warm water.

Effective hygiene practices

Research shows that prolonged hand washing – ideally one minute with soap – provides the best defense against germs. Even with only short intervals of cold or warm water, the hygienic effect is significantly weaker. Your hands should also be washed thoroughly to minimize the risk of a smear infection. The need for strict hand hygiene is particularly evident when touching everyday surfaces or after using the toilet. How inda-apotheke.de reported, it is optimal to wash your hands 6 to 10 times a day to significantly reduce the risk of becoming infected.

It is important for adults and children to wash their hands in certain situations, such as after coming home, after using the toilet, before eating, or after contact with animals. This not only increases personal health but also protects others. Engaging instructions for children make it easier to establish handwashing as a fun habit. Contact with germs and pathogens must be explained in a child-friendly way in order to promote understanding and interest and thus strengthen the little ones' own immune system.