Did you know?

Approximately 80% of all contagious diseases are transmitted via our hands – that figure comes from the World Health Organisation (WHO). This includes, for example, diseases like colds, flu and stomach bugs. “The germs themselves do not present a direct health risk on your hands and fingers,” explained Prof. Dr. med. Klaus-Dieter Zastrow, a specialist in hygiene and environmental medicine and Head of the REGIOMED-KLINIKEN hygiene institute in Coburg. “However, most people touch their mouth, nose and eyes regularly – putting their hands to their face up to five times an hour. This allows the germs to enter the body unimpeded via the mucous membranes.” Many studies have investigated and confirmed that handwashing truly helps reduce the occurrence of contagious diseases. On the basis of different studies, it is estimated that thorough washing of hands with soap and water almost halves the risk of disease.
German companies incur costs of around € 130 billion a year due to employee sickness. That works out at about € 3,600 per person.
90% of colds are caused by viruses.

Flu viruses can remain active on surfaces for 48 hours.
Approximately 80% of all
contagious diseases
are
transmitted via our hands.
You can slash the risk of catching
a cold virus by 50% simply by
washing your hands!