Everyday habits that keep germs away
Hygiene means the habits that keep us and our surroundings clean so we do not fall ill. Personal hygiene includes bathing daily, washing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before eating and after using the toilet, cutting nails, brushing teeth twice a day and wearing clean clothes. Community hygiene means keeping streets, schools, markets and water sources clean and disposing of garbage and sewage safely.
Many diseases spread through unsafe food and water. Germs from dirty hands, flies and contaminated water can cause diarrhoea, cholera, typhoid and jaundice. Drinking water should be boiled, filtered or chlorinated, and food should be covered, cooked properly and eaten fresh. Fruits and vegetables must be washed before use. Covering the mouth when coughing, not spitting in public and staying home when sick help stop infections from spreading. Stagnant water should be removed so mosquitoes cannot breed.
Why it matters
Good hygiene is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to prevent illness, keeping children in school and adults at work. Handwashing became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Clean water and toilets in every community reduce diarrhoeal diseases that are dangerous for young children. This topic links to health and diseases in Class 9.
Key terms
- Hygiene
- Practices that keep the body and surroundings clean to prevent disease.
- Contamination
- The presence of harmful germs or substances in food, water or air.
- Chlorination
- Adding chlorine to water to kill germs and make it safe to drink.