Final answer:
Both the World Health Organization and the CDC recommend washing hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of pathogens and reduce the risk of infections. Soap acts as a surfactant, breaking down the lipid membrane of certain viruses like COVID-19. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not available, but proper handwashing is the most effective method.
Step-by-step explanation:
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend washing hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of pathogens and reduce the risk of infections. Soap and water are effective in removing dirt, germs, and viruses from hands. The CDC recommends wetting hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), applying soap, lathering hands thoroughly (including the back of hands, between fingers, and under nails), scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing hands well, and drying hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
Washing hands with soap and water is especially important after using the bathroom, before and after handling food, after coughing or sneezing, after being around sick people, and after touching surfaces that may be contaminated. Soap acts as a surfactant, breaking down the lipid membrane of certain viruses, including coronaviruses like COVID-19, and washing them away with water. Hand sanitizer can be used when soap and water are not available, but it may be less effective against certain types of germs.
Proper handwashing is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent the spread of diseases and maintain good personal hygiene. By following the recommended handwashing techniques, individuals can protect themselves and others from infections caused by pathogens.