Respiratory virus season is not over.

Regardless of the time of year, hand washing is very important to health.

It’s particularly effective when it comes to preventing respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) infections.

Studies on handwashing in a community setting found that it reduces respiratory infections by 16-21% and GI infections by 31%.

Handwashing’s effect on infections was particularly pronounced in schools and daycare centers.

When it comes to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a worry during respiratory virus season, hand hygiene is important for several reasons, including:

• RSV can survive on hard surfaces for several hours.
• The virus can spread through direct contact with contaminated hands.
• Young children frequently touch their face and mouths, which can spread the virus.
• RSV transmission in daycares and schools often occurs through contaminated objects.

There are several other real-world studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of hand washing.

One of them found that structured programs that encourage hand washing in elementary schools reduce absences from respiratory illnesses by 26%.

Daycare centers that had enhanced hand hygiene protocol also saw a significant reduction in RSV transmission rates.

Before kids go to school or daycare, proper hand washing must start at home. Teaching proper techniques to families and children has also been known to reduce illnesses.

In a healthcare setting like WVU Medicine Children’s, there are very strict protocols and products that help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. However, simple soap and water in community settings still provides meaningful protection.

Always wash your hands as much as possible, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after wiping your nose.

And please be sure to pass good habits along to your kids.