It is cold and flu season again, along with other infections like Covid, pneumococcus, and streptococcus, just to name a few. Did you know that these infections can enter the body through the eyes? While infection through the eyes is less common than through the nose and mouth, germs often seek the easiest route to enter the body, such as through mucous membranes.
Our hands are exposed to countless germs, bacteria, and viruses throughout the day. Most people do not realize how often they touch their eyes, nose, and mouth throughout the day, they touch everything from doorknobs to keyboards, making them prime carriers of microorganisms often after coming into contact with surfaces contaminated by others who are already infected. Various microorganisms, known as "skin flora," live on our skin. Some microorganisms are beneficial, while others can cause infections or diseases.
To defend against spreading germs from your hands to your eyes is proper handwashing routines. Research shows that you can prevent 1 in 3 illnesses and infections by keeping your hands clean.
Here is a reminder of how to wash your hands properly:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water, whether warm or cold.
- Apply soap to your hands.
- Rub your hands vigorously to a lather by rubbing them together.
- Scrub all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Then thoroughly rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel, paper towel or hand dryer.
By following these steps, you can help protect yourself and others from infections.
Sources:
www.cdc.gov
www.visionsource.com
www.clevelandclinic.org
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