Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic includes an advice column based on new topics and different writers’ thoughts. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
Hey Waves,
It is both disappointing and apparent that some people have regressed to the early 19th century.
That is to say, the first recorded discovery of handwashing’s life-saving power occurred in 1848, according to The Guardian.
It has been quite a few years since then, and yet, I have seen some people neglect to take less than a minute to wash and dry their hands after using the bathroom.
It is an effortless, minuscule portion of the day. Personally, I know the amount of time wasted on social media is much larger than a minute.
Feces are a major source of bacteria, such as salmonella, E. coli and norovirus, according to the CDC. The most obvious way it can get on our hands is using the bathroom, but people may also come into contact with it by handling raw meat.
Salmonella, E. coli and norovirus infections include unpleasant symptoms, such as diarrhea, fever and stomach pain.
Getting sick — especially during school — is generally not a fun experience.
It is already easy enough to get sick surrounded by peers in dorms, classrooms and other public areas.
Particularly, some viruses remain infectious for longer on hard surfaces, according to Mayo Clinic. Why increase the risk even more?
The CDC goes on to state that germs from unwashed hands can easily be transferred through touching other objects such as food or tabletops, including touching one’s face.
Neglecting to wash one’s hands is not only doing a disservice to oneself but especially to everyone else.
“Scientific studies show that you need to scrub for 20 seconds to remove harmful germs and chemicals from your hands,” according to Hand Hygiene FAQs answered by the CDC.
“Soap and water don’t kill germs; they work by mechanically removing them from your hands,” according to Harvard Health.
So no, wetting one’s hands briefly is not a substitute for lathering with soap and water.
Drying hands is also just as important, as the Harvard Health article also states that “wet hands are more likely to spread germs than dry ones.”
For the love of God and fellow peers, and for the privilege of possessing advanced medical knowledge, please wash your hands after using the bathroom.
It is a simple kindness and service.
It is also the 21st century. Let’s be better.
With care,
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Contact Faith Oh via email: faith.oh@pepperdine.edu or by Instagram: @oh_faiffful
