As the fall and winter respiratory virus season arrives, simple but important hand hygiene remains a core line of defense. 

Marking Global Handwashing Day on Oct. 15 serves as a reminder that this simple habit helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps seasonal illness at bay. 

After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose, respiratory droplets easily transfer to your hands, making hand-washing essential after tending to cold or flu symptoms. 

"Washing hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap, making sure to massage soap between fingers, nails, and front and back sides of your hands, can help," says Dr. Summer Allen, a Mayo Clinic family physician. "It can prevent illnesses such as diarrhea/GI and/or respiratory bugs." 

Dr. Allen notes that staying well during respiratory illness season is best supported by healthy daily habits, including proper hand hygiene, quality sleep, balanced nutrition, and an approach to healthcare that reflects your individual goals and priorities.  

"Consider speaking with your primary care clinician regarding your healthcare goals and the immunizations available to you," says Dr. Allen.  

She emphasizes that hand-washing does not exist in a vacuum; it acts as a crucial anchor for overall wellness. Explaining how it applies to a broader lifestyle defense, Dr. Allen highlights its effects.  

"It ties most closely to protecting against illness that will lead to interruptions in sleep, and when ill, not eating properly, impacting nutrition," says Dr. Allen.  

What are common hand-washing mistakes?

Dr. Allen underscores that fending off seasonal illness requires paying attention to detail.  

She notes that even with the best intentions, people often unknowingly make mistakes in their own hygiene efforts.  

When trying to fend off cold and flu symptoms, Dr. Allen points out a frequent oversight. 

"Often, the length of time and/or forgetting to cover all surfaces of their hands and fingers or using their clean hand to turn off the faucet can be something that is missed," says Dr. Allen.  

She adds that if soap and water aren't available, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a second choice. 

How should you wash your hands?

To properly wash your hands, follow these steps: 

• Wet your hands with clean, running water. 

• Apply any kind of soap, and lather well. 

• Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces, including the backs of your hands, wrists, palms, between your fingers and under your fingernails. 

• Rinse well. 

• Use a clean towel to turn off the faucet and dry your hands.

 Learn more: Mayo Clinic Minute: Wash your hands for better health 

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