# Explain why washing hands regularly reduces the risk of spreading communicable diseases.

> AQA GCSE Biology (8461) — 4.3.1 Communicable diseases · Explain · 4 marks

> During a norovirus outbreak in a school, health officials advised all students and staff to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before eating.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Pathogens (such as bacteria/viruses) can be present on the hands / skin surface
2. Pathogens can be transferred from hands to the mouth / food / mucous membranes, allowing entry into the body
3. Washing hands removes / kills pathogens from the hands
4. This reduces the chance of pathogens being passed to another person / prevents spread of infection (communicable disease)

## Key terms

- [communicable disease](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/communicable-disease)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Biology (8461)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-washing-hands-regularly-reduces-efd02d3b) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.