At least two in three Irish adults do not wash their hands long enough to kill germs that cause infections, a new survey has found.

People have up to 10 million bacteria between their fingertips and elbows and the number of germs on your fingertips doubles after you use the toilet. Millions of germs also hide under rings, bracelets and watches.

Hands should be washed for a minimum of 15 seconds in order to kill germs that cause infection, however the survey of almost 1,000 Irish adults, which was carried out last month, has found that 67% do not wash their hands for the recommended time.

Research indicates that teaching people how to wash their hands effectively reduces the number who get sick with diarrhoea by 31% and with respiratory illnesses, such as colds, by 21%.

The survey found that women washed their hands more than men each day and women believe it is more important than men. It also revealed that:
-61% of Irish adults do not wash their hands after sneezing
-65% do not wash their hands after coughing
-56% do not wash their hands after blowing their nose
-18% do not wash their hands before handling food.

Just 4% admitted to not washing their hands after going to the toilet.

According to Dr Helene McDermott, a consultant microbiologist at Bon Secours, Dublin, washing your hands with soap ‘is still the most effective way to avoid the transmission of harmful germs and prevent healthcare-associated infections'.

Meanwhile, the survey also found that while the vast majority of people believe that washing your hands when visiting hospital is ‘extremely important' or ‘very important', 36% admitted to not always washing their hands in this setting.

The survey was carried out by the Bon Secours Health System to coincide with Global Handwashing Day (October 15), and it recommends the following handwashing method:
-Wet your hands with clean, running water that can be warm or cold. Turn off the tap and apply soap
-Lather your hands and be sure to include the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails
-Scrub your hands. You should be able to hum the ‘Happy Birthday' song from beginning to end twice
-Rinse your hands well under clean, running water
-Dry your hands using a clean towel or airdryer.