When it comes to our health and well-being, little steps of caution can make a big difference, frequent handwashing is among those preventive measures that should be taken to fight germs in our daily routine.

Our dependence on modern day medicine has led us to believe that infections can simply be cured by antibiotics; however, prevention is always better than cure.

Handwashing is the most efficient vaccine which fights bacteria and reduces the risk of illness. According to CDC, 80% of infections are transmitted through hands, but with only 20 seconds of vigorous hand washing this threat can be eliminated.

While most of us feel confident about our handwashing skills, researchers at Michigan State University found that a staggering percentage of people fail to follow the recommended procedure. The study showed that 95% of people do not wash their hands properly after using the restroom; among those are 62% men and 40% women who have admitted to not washing their hands at all. A majority of people do not realise that there is a high risk of getting infected by Salmonella, E. coli, and hepatitis A if good hand hygiene is not followed.

What should you do when soap and water are not available?

The importance of hand washing cannot be overstressed yet many of us do not implement it in our daily routine.

Evidence show that frequent handwashing can eliminate bacteria and protects us from hand-borne infections, however, in circumstances where soap and water are not available; CDC recommends the use of hand sanitizers.

Hand sanitizers are proven to be tremendously effective in killing germs and in keeping viruses at bay. They are a quick, easy and portable solution when running water is not available.

How to use a hand sanitizer?

Apply a dime sized hand sanitizer onto the palm of one hand. Rub both hands together to distribute the hand sanitizer and cover the skin around fingers, nails and at the back of hands.

Keep rubbing until your hands are completely dry. Use of a towel or paper towel is not recommended to dry the hands.