Hand Washing Epidemic Cause for Alarm

After recent buzz surrounding hand washing, Fairview Park Hospital doctors are speaking out about the difference hand washing can make, especially during flu season. A staggering 80% of infections are spread by touch which is a big reason why the hospital wants to get the message out.

Dr. Travis Jasper, Emergency Room Medical Director at Fairview Park Hospital says besides getting vaccinated the most important thing you can do to prevent getting the flu or any other infection is washing your hands.

1 in 5 people do not wash their hands and of those that do hand wash, only 30% use soap. Dr. Jasper says those alarming statistics are a big concern.

In addition to practicing good hand washing, it's important to be aware of the everyday use items that host the most bacteria including purses, TV remotes, cutting boards and toilet seats.

Other handwashing statistics:

• More than half of the population do not wash their hands after using public transportation, shared exercise equipment or handling money.
• 39% of the population do not watch their hands after sneezing, coughing or blowing their nose.

Dr. Jasper's recommendation is wash your hands as often as possible and encourage your children to wash their hands throughout the day while at school to help prevent the spread of infection this flu season.