Why is handwashing important?

• A. It makes you immune to infections.
• B. It is only necessary after meals.
• C. It can replace gloves in all situations.
• D. It prevents spread of germs and disease.

Answer: (D)

Handwashing is about stopping germs from moving from one person to another. When you wash with soap and water, you physically remove dirt and microbes from the skin, and the friction helps lift them away, lowering how many germs you have on your hands. Because hands are used to touch the face and share objects, washing regularly interrupts the spread of infections to others and to yourself. It doesn’t make you immune to infections, and it isn’t only needed after meals—hands can pick up germs at many times and in many places. In some situations, gloves provide a protective barrier and must be used in addition to hand hygiene; washing hands alone isn’t a complete substitute for gloves in those cases. So the main takeaway is that handwashing prevents the spread of germs and disease.