With the holiday season comes sick season. And, what better time to get sick than when your calendar is full and you’re stuck inside?Instead of spreading holiday cheer, our little ones are often spreading germs.
While the latest virus may not be completely avoidable, we can certainly help our families better protect themselves from experiencing the unwanted gifts of cold and flu season.
It may sound too simple, but good hand hygiene can help avoid some of the most common seasonal illnesses.
Handwashing Facts
- Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16–21%.
- Handwashing with soap could protect almost 1 out of 5 young children with respiratory infections, like pneumonia.
All that to say, handwashing helps. So, while the extra time at the sink may keep you from the hustle and bustle a bit longer, it is worth the extra few minutes to ensure hands are clean.
Having trouble getting your people to commit to healthy hand hygiene? Try turning handwashing from a ‘have to’ to a ‘get to’ by making it into a silly game or a song. (‘Wash your Hands’ to the tune of ‘Jingle Bells,’ anyone?) The CDC’s five easy steps—wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry—are a great place to start.
This year, don’t let sick season steal your holiday joy. Whether you’re enjoying time with your people at home or out and about enjoying the sights of the season, make sure to make time to wash your hands.
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References
1. Rabie T, Curtis V. Handwashing and risk of respiratory infections: a quantitative systematic review. Trop Med Int Health. 2006;11(3):258-67.
2. Aiello AE, Coulborn RM, Perez V, Larson EL. Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis. Am J Public Health. 2008;98(8):1372-81.
3. Aiello AE, Coulborn RM, Perez V, Larson EL. Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis. Am J Public Health. 2008;98(8):1372-81.
4. Rabie T and Curtis V. Handwashing and risk of respiratory infections: a quantitative systematic review. Trop Med Int Health. 2006 Mar;11(3):258-67.
