Handwashing 101: Preventing the Common Cold

Common Cold Prevention

If you've had it with cold misery, then you need to learn some common cold prevention techniques. Common cold prevention is not difficult. You just need to learn some new behaviors and lifestyle habits and use these new behaviors and habits every day -- year round. When you do, you can avoid coming in contact with a contagious cold virus. Here is what you need to know for common cold prevention.

Prevent Colds With Frequent Hand Washing

Your best protection from the common cold and flu is frequent hand washing. Amazingly, about 80% of contagious diseases are transmitted by touch. But the simple friction that occurs when you rub skin against skin while using warm water and soap and then follow that with thorough rinsing and drying gets rid of potentially harmful germs.

While germs are often transferred to others through household objects -- telephones, doorknobs, toothbrushes, and faucet handles -- the biggest transportation center for germs is your hands. That's why frequent hand washing gets rid of the illness-causing germs and helps to prevent the spread of some diseases -- especially if a family member, friend, or classmate has a cold or flu virus.

The CDC estimates that 36,000 people die from the flu or flu-like illness each year. The CDC also says the simple act of hand washing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of viral and bacterial infections. Yet some studies reveal that many Americans using public restrooms don't wash their hands before leaving. People also forget to wash their hands before preparing meals, and they grab snacks without thinking of hand washing as well. If you want to prevent colds, just stop -- and wash your hands.

How Should I Wash my Hands for Cold Prevention?

Many of us get so busy, we simply forget to wash our hands properly. Here's the rundown:

• First, wet your hands with water. Then apply soap.
• Now, rub your hands together vigorously for 20 seconds. Make sure to rub the wrists, between the fingers, and under the fingernails. When you have time, use a nailbrush, as bacteria often hide under nails. 
• Rinse your hands thoroughly and dry with a clean paper towel or air dryer. 
• If you are in a public restroom, shut the faucet off with a paper towel. Try to push the door open with your shoulder, or use another paper towel to turn the knob.    

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