kézhigiénia

Kézhigiénia refers to the practice of maintaining cleanliness of the hands to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. This is a fundamental aspect of personal hygiene and public health. The most common and effective method of kézhigiénia is handwashing with soap and water. This process physically removes dirt, debris, and microorganisms from the skin.

Proper handwashing involves wetting the hands, applying enough soap to create a lather, scrubbing all surfaces of the hands, including the back of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails, for at least 20 seconds, and then rinsing thoroughly under running water. Drying the hands with a clean towel or air dryer is also an essential part of the process.

When soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used as an alternative. These sanitizers typically contain at least 60% alcohol, which effectively kills many types of germs. However, hand sanitizers are less effective against certain types of pathogens, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficile, and do not remove visible dirt or grime.

Practicing good kézhigiénia is crucial before eating or preparing food, after using the toilet, after coughing or sneezing, after touching animals, and after being in public places. Consistent and proper hand hygiene significantly reduces the risk of common infections like colds, influenza, and gastrointestinal illnesses. It is a simple yet powerful tool in protecting individual and community health.