Hidden Power of Clean Hands: Why Winter Infections Surge and How Simple Hygiene Can Stop Them - Dr Viplov Vaidya

Proper handwashing can reduce diarrhoeal infections by 20–40% and bring down respiratory illnesses by nearly 20%, a small act with a big impact. This becomes especially important in cities like Pune, where winter consistently brings a surge in infections.

As temperatures drop and pollution rises, clinics and paediatric OPDs begin to fill up. But beyond these seasonal triggers lies an often-overlooked driver of this annual spike: contaminated hands.

Winter Viruses and Contaminated Surfaces

Dr. Viplov Vaidya, Consultant – Infectious Diseases, Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital, Pune, notes, “During winter, certain viruses, including influenza, RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus), rhinoviruses, and even COVID, survive longer in cold, dry air. Pollution further weakens the nasal and throat linings, making it easier for pathogens to enter the body.

Many infections, from flu and pneumonia to gastroenteritis and hand-foot-mouth disease, spread rapidly through contaminated surfaces. Viruses can remain active on doorknobs, phones, desks, toys, elevator buttons, and tables for extended periods. When someone touches these objects and then their face, infections spread silently, especially among children, office workers, and the elderly.”

Handwashing Protects Only When Done Correctly

Handwashing is effective only when performed properly. It requires using soap and clean water and washing for at least 20 seconds, ensuring that the palms, backs of hands, between fingers, thumbs, and nails are thoroughly cleaned.

Rinsing well afterward is equally important. Simply sprinkling water or washing for a few seconds is not sufficient, as soap plays a crucial role in breaking down the outer layer of viruses and removing germs effectively.

It is recommended to wash hands immediately after returning home from school, office, or the markets. This single habit can reduce the chance of transferring outside germs into the home by up to 70%.

Hand Sanitizers Are Helpful but Not a Replacement

Handwashing with soap is the best way to prevent winter infections. In settings where frequent washing isn’t always possible, sanitiser has a role. However, some germs aren’t killed by sanitiser, so washing with soap remains essential. Sanitiser works as a convenient backup when soap and water aren’t available.

Winter Care for Children and Families

Children fall sick more often in winter because their immune systems are still developing and they frequently touch surfaces. Families should make handwashing a routine before meals, after school, outdoor play, using the washroom, and on returning home, using songs or timers to ensure a full 20-second wash. Parents should also watch for early signs of infection, such as fever, body aches, sore throat, persistent cough, vomiting, diarrhoea, nasal congestion, or unusual fatigue, and seek timely medical care.

Doctors recommend annual influenza vaccination for children, especially before winter, to reduce flu severity and prevent hospitalisation. Pregnant women and the elderly need extra precautions, as winter infections pose higher risks. Vaccination and other preventive measures, under gynecologist guidance, are essential to safeguard both mother and baby.

Protecting Skin While Maintaining Hygiene

A common winter concern is that frequent handwashing can dry out the skin, especially for those with eczema or dermatitis. Dr. Viplov recommends using gentle liquid soap. Water temperature, whether cold, warm, or hot does not significantly affect handwashing effectiveness as long as soap is used correctly. However, very hot water can worsen dryness in winter.

Higher Winter Infection Risk

Winter increases not just viral but also bacterial infections due to pollution, poor ventilation, and weakened airway defences. Clinics consistently report more hygiene-related illnesses, underscoring the importance of regular handwashing.

With good hygiene, early symptom awareness, proper skin care, timely vaccination, and safe food habits, families can navigate Pune’s winter safely. Clean hands remain one of the simplest and strongest shields for a healthy season.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.