A habit you develop since childhood can effectively prevent "respiratory infectious diseases"!

In autumn and winter, the temperature difference between day and night is large. Many friends said that they had some symptoms of respiratory diseases, such as coughing, dry throat, sore throat... It was really uncomfortable. According to the "Technical Guidelines for Influenza Vaccine Immunization in China (2023-2024)", this winter and next spring may face the risk of interaction or co-epidemic of respiratory infectious diseases such as new crown and influenza.

Respiratory infectious diseases are coming in waves. Don't ignore a simple and effective prevention method - "wash your hands". How important is it to wash your hands well? Today we will study together:
Why are respiratory diseases more common in autumn and winter? What are some precautions for hand washing? What other misunderstandings should be noted when washing hands?

01Respiratory diseases are more common in autumn and winter

Respiratory infectious diseases refer to infectious diseases caused by pathogens invading the human body's respiratory tract, such as the nasal cavity , throat , trachea and bronchi .

In autumn and winter, respiratory diseases are more common due to the following reasons:

1. Significant temperature changes

As the seasons change, the temperature changes dramatically .

With the drop in temperature and the ensuing colder weather, the human body is more susceptible to catching cold to a certain extent, and the low temperature climatic conditions are conducive to the survival and spread of viruses to a certain extent.

2. Poor ventilation

The weather is relatively cold in autumn and winter, and people will stay indoors more frequently to keep warm .

Dense crowds and poor indoor ventilation have, to a certain extent, increased the chances of the virus spreading in a closed environment.

3. The air is relatively dry

Dry air is also one of the reasons for the high incidence of diseases in autumn and winter.

The low humidity in the air can easily lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as dry skin, dry mouth and tongue to a certain extent.

4. High incidence period of allergens

Autumn is the peak season for allergens, such as dust and animal hair, which can easily cause allergic symptoms and trigger diseases such as asthma and rhinitis.

Some chronic respiratory diseases, such as COPD and asthma, often worsen when the weather changes or cold air arrives .

In autumn and winter, the haze is heavy, and the harmful particles in the air will increase to a certain extent, which can easily damage the respiratory mucosal epithelium to a certain extent, thereby leading to increased mucus secretion and increasing conditions for pathogen infection.

02Precautions for hand washing

Hands are the main part of people's contact with the outside world , so there are relatively more bacteria, germs and other microorganisms on their hands.

Washing hands properly helps maintain your health and is the most effective and convenient way to prevent infectious diseases. Several studies by MIT and the University of Cyprus have found that by increasing the hand-washing rate of global mobile personnel (long-distance travelers), the probability of the spread of various infectious diseases can be significantly reduced. But many people wash their hands incorrectly!

1. Washing hands is not just a matter of rubbing

An article published in Life Times mentioned that British applied mathematician Paul Hammond initiated an experiment.

The researchers used a mathematical model that used a wavy, rough surface to represent hands and tiny particles to represent bacteria to examine the key mechanisms of hand washing.

Finally, it was found that after scrubbing vigorously for 20 seconds (equivalent to the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice quickly), the bacteria on the surface were finally removed.

Health guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recommend washing your hands for at least 20 seconds .

2. Strength and speed are equally important. The researchers also found that in this process, the higher the energy of the water flow and the faster the hand moves, the easier it is to wash away the particles.

If you rub your hands too lightly and too slowly, it will be difficult to wash away the particles even if the water flow is strong enough.

In other words, it takes at least 20 seconds to rub your hands thoroughly. In the early stages, you need to wet your hands with water and apply an appropriate amount of hand washing products .

3. Wash your hands and dry them immediately

Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean water, making sure there is no soap or hand sanitizer residue left , and dry your hands.

If you don't dry your hands after washing them, the humid environment is conducive to the survival of bacteria , and the remaining bacteria are easy to reproduce on your hands. It is best to use paper towels or clean towels to wipe them instead of using dryers in public places .

The World Health Organization has given advice that you should wash your hands in these 7 situations:

▲ After coughing or sneezing

When caring for patients

▲ Before, during and after food preparation

▲ Before preparing to eat

▲ After using the bathroom

▲ When your hands are dirty

▲ After handling animals or animal excrement

03 Misconceptions about hand washing

1. Wash your hands with water or in a basin

Simply flushing with running water cannot remove bacteria . Soap or hand sanitizer with bactericidal properties is needed to achieve the purpose of cleaning.

If you use a basin to wash your hands, bacteria will remain in the basin to a certain extent after washing , and your hands cannot be completely washed.

2. Washing hands for too short a time

Since some viruses and bacteria have an envelope structure, washing hands for too short a time cannot completely eliminate them.

It usually takes more than 20 seconds to wash your hands with soap or hand sanitizer to more effectively eliminate germs.

3. Use hand sanitizer gel instead of washing hands

Many people regard hand sanitizer as a " lazy man's must-have ". When they don't want to wash their hands, they just take it out and wipe it, saving the hassle of washing hands.

The main function of the disposable disinfectant gel is to kill bacteria , but it cannot clean other dirt on your hands.

The alcohol concentration in hand sanitizers is generally over 60% . Frequent use may cause certain damage to the skin, so long-term use is not recommended.

Therefore, the best way is to wash your hands with running water, soap or hand sanitizer .