National Hand Washing Awareness Week Highlights Disease Prevention

WASHINGTON DC — National Hand Washing Awareness Week runs from December 7 to 13 and encourages people to follow simple habits that reduce the spread of sickness. The Henry the Hand Foundation organizes the week to promote regular handwashing as an effective way to prevent disease. Health groups note that most communicable illnesses spread through touch and that proper washing for at least 15 seconds, cleaning under fingernails, and fully drying hands can lower infection rates. Studies show regular handwashing cuts respiratory sick days and stomach related sick days while helping prevent conditions such as pneumonia and foodborne illness.