Washing your hands before eating may seem like a waste to time and energy to many, especially if your are just going to use a spoon or fork to eat. But think twice before you take it so lightly. Here are 10 diseases that you can easily prevent by just washing your hands. Read on!
1. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually caused due to viral infection, which in turn leads to digestive problems. Some of the common factors that lead to viral infections include foods packed with germ or dirty hands. The best way to prevent diarrhea includes eating clean food and washing your hands right before eating.
2. Hepatitis B
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of hepatitis B is to never skip washing your hands before eating. Though this disease is mainly caused due to poor sanitation and hygiene, dirty hands too play a vital role in shooting up the severity of the infection.
3. Gastroenteritis
This disease results in the inflammation of intestines and stomach due to various viruses. Its major symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea and mild diarrhea. Viruses like Rota viruses and Noro viruses spread quickly when hands are not washed, especially after going to the restroom, changing a diaper or touching an infected person.
4. Eye And Skin Infections
Many eye and skin infections like conjunctivitis, eczema, measles, chickenpox and rashes spread mostly when you come in contact with the virus or an ill person. So it is advised that you wash your hands as well as face every time you have a meal, especially if you have been outdoors or have been in close proximity with an infected person.
5. Food Poisoning
Caused due to several bacteria and germs like Shigella, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus and E.coli, food poisoning could lead to severe diarrhea and vomiting, thus making a person dehydrated and weak. One of the best ways to keep this disease away is by making sure that your hands and food are both clean.
6. Respiratory Infections
Diseases like cough, cold, laryngitis etc. have the chances of spreading when your hands come in contact with an infected person. Make it a point to keep your hands clean, especially after using the public transport or treating an ill person.
7. Shigellosis
Shigellosis is yet another infection that is caused by bacteria, resulting in fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. Its serious stages could also involve passing of blood and mucus through stool. Shigellosis spreads when you come in contact with an infected person, or ingest food that has been contaminated by an infected person. This disease is prevalent in areas that have poor sanitary conditions.
8. Flu And Common Cold
We are all familiar with the ease with which these diseases spread. Every time someone infected with flu or cold sneezes, thousands of bacteria and virus are are released into the air. So you should always wash your hands before you eat as you never know what all germs you have come in contact with.
9. Botulism
Botulism is a disease that is spread through ingesting contaminated food. The symptoms include facial weakness, double vision, restricted breathing, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. The severity of Botulism is believed to deepen if the hands that handle the food are not clean.
10. Amoebiasis
Just like its name, Amoebiasis is a disease that is caused by a type of amoeba called Entamoeba Histolytica. The preventive measures include washing your hands so as not to contaminate the food and making sure the food you ingest is clean and properly packed.
Imagine how a simple act like washing your hands can keep numerous diseases away. So next time you take a meal, make sure your hands are squeaky clean and germ-free.
