Good hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent disease transmission amongst students in schools in Nigeria, and so its importance cannot be overemphasized. We are exposed to germs everyday, and for female students, poor hygiene will expose you to so many diseases or infections. For example, Poor hygiene during your menstrual flow can expose you to germs that can transfer into your body through your genitals.

Do you know that if you are right handed, your right hand will have more bacteria than your left hand and vice versa? And that washing your hands regularly can protect you against many diseases like Hepatitis A, E and Covid-19.
This is why you should wash your hands:

• When you wake up in the morning
• After using the toilet
• After shaking people
• After touching your pets
• After touching any surface
• When you return home
• Before you eat
• As often as possible

Infestation occurs when you do not wash your hands after using the toilet. It gives threadworms the opportunity to infect you. Threadworms are parasites that are found in faeces. And so, regular washing of hands with soap and water can kill bacteria.

For female students, one of your captivating qualities is your smile, and this is why your dental health is very important. Brushing your teeth twice a day (when you wake up, and before going to bed) prevents you from having tooth decay, bad breath and gum disease. Also, short fingernails prevent your nails from accommodating germs.

It is very important that students cultivate the habit of having their bath 2 to 3 times a day, as this will prevent them from developing body odour, and also prevent them from skin infections.

Poor hygiene could lead to:

• Food poisoning
• Skin infections
• Gastrointestinal infections
• Pneumonia, and many more.

Maintaining good hygiene gives children so much confidence, and protects their health!