In a world where staying healthy has never been more critical, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent illness is proper hand hygiene. At Novo Wellness, with trusted locations in Aiken, SC, and Hilton Head Island, SC, we emphasize the importance of clean hands as part of a broader strategy for infection prevention. Whether you’re at work, home, or on the go, regular handwashing is a frontline defense against harmful bacteria and viruses.
Hands are one of the most common ways germs spread from person to person and from surfaces to our bodies. We touch our faces—our eyes, nose, and mouth—hundreds of times a day without realizing it, giving germs a direct path into our system.
“Proper hand hygiene can reduce respiratory illnesses, like colds and flu, by up to 21%,” according to a study published in the American Journal of Infection Control.
While most people know the basics of handwashing, studies show that only 5% of people wash their hands correctly after using the restroom. Ensuring proper technique is key, especially during cold and flu season here in South Carolina.
When you wash your hands, you’re not just removing visible dirt—you’re breaking down and rinsing away invisible pathogens. Harmful germs like:
Bacteria: Including staphylococcus and E. coli
Viruses: Such as influenza, rhinovirus (common cold), and even coronaviruses
Fungi: Which can cause skin and respiratory infections
These pathogens can linger on frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards for hours. Proper handwashing helps stop the chain of infection, keeping yourself and those around you healthier.
While it might seem obvious, there are key moments throughout the day when handwashing is especially important. At Novo Wellness, we remind our patients in Aiken, SC, and Hilton Head Island, SC, to focus on the following times:
Before eating or preparing food
After using the restroom
After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
Before and after visiting a healthcare facility
After touching frequently used surfaces
After handling pets or garbage
Being mindful of these critical moments ensures you’re doing your part to prevent the spread of infections in your community.
Handwashing may seem simple, but proper technique makes all the difference. Follow these five steps, recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Wet your hands with clean, running water.
Lather with soap, covering all surfaces—palms, backs, fingers, and under nails.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds (hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
Rinse thoroughly under clean, running water.
Dry your hands completely using a clean towel or air dryer.
“The friction created while scrubbing hands with soap and water is essential for breaking down and removing pathogens,” explains a review in the Journal of Applied Microbiology.
If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is the next best option.
At Novo Wellness, we take infection prevention seriously—especially in our healthcare settings. Whether you visit us in Aiken, SC, or Hilton Head Island, SC, you’ll notice strict hygiene protocols in place, including frequent handwashing, sanitizing surfaces, and providing hand sanitizer stations for patients and visitors.
For healthcare workers and caregivers, proper hand hygiene is non-negotiable. It protects vulnerable individuals from healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which affect millions of patients every year in the U.S.
Cold and flu season can hit hard in South Carolina, and germs spread quickly in homes, workplaces, and schools. Practicing good hand hygiene reduces the likelihood of catching and spreading illnesses such as:
Influenza (Flu)
Common Cold
Norovirus (stomach bugs)
COVID-19
In addition to washing your hands, encourage family members to cover coughs and sneezes, disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly, and avoid touching their faces.
Children are often the biggest culprits when it comes to spreading germs. Teaching them proper hand hygiene from a young age is essential. Use fun, age-appropriate methods like singing songs, using colorful soap, or setting up a handwashing chart to encourage good habits.
At Novo Wellness, we encourage families in Aiken and Hilton Head Island to prioritize hand hygiene as part of a healthy lifestyle, helping prevent sickness before it starts.
At Novo Wellness, we believe that education and prevention are the foundations of good health. Whether you visit our clinic in Aiken or Hilton Head Island, our focus on hand hygiene and clean environments ensures you receive care in the safest possible setting.
By practicing proper hand hygiene at home, at work, and in the community, you’re not just protecting yourself—you’re helping to keep South Carolina healthier overall.
Preventing infections starts with small, simple actions. At Novo Wellness, our team is here to provide the education, care, and support you need to live a healthier life. Whether you’re in Aiken, SC, or Hilton Head Island, SC, we’re proud to be your trusted healthcare partner.
To learn more about infection prevention or schedule an appointment, contact us today:
Novo Wellness Aiken: 5110 Woodside Executive Ct, Aiken, SC 29803 | Call: 803-642-6500
Novo Wellness Hilton Head Island: 15 Moss Creek Village, Suite 105, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 | Call: 843-836-5800
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