A
female
age
36-40,
anonymous
writes:I'm from the Philippines and I have a moral issue... I like to help the poor, give them alms and stuff they need... but am I being a bad person if I immediately wash my hands after they touch me? I'm very confused. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (9 March 2009): Hi
Cross Contamination...is not a good idea...so you could actually be helping more than you realise by washing your hands. Forget the emotional side and use LOGIC..you may pass other virus on and end up doing more harm than good, And if you caught a virus yourself what use are you helping others if you are poorly?
Nice sentiment but you have to be realistic with health.
MRSA....washing of hands is a matter of life or death sometimes. Wear gloves if you have too.and take care so you can take care.
via con dios.
A
male
reader, ArmyMedic  +, writes (7 March 2009):
 In a medical opinion I wash my hands all the time before and after touching anybody no matter what the background.
Regular hand washing should be a habit that everyone should take up as it would reduce the spread of disease by at least half.
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A
male
reader, Danielepew  +, writes (7 March 2009):
 If the hands are being cleaned because the poor person had dirty hands, as a car mechanic with hands covered in grease would, or dirty as the hands of a farmer who just pulled some roots, then it is correct to wash your hands, and to do it somewhere where people won't see you. I know for a fact, however, that in these cases people don't shake hands with you: they greet you effusively and apologize for NOT shaking your hands.However, if you wash your hands because you think that the poor are disgusting simply because they are poor, then this is not a moral dilemma, but your conscience that tells you that it's not right to feel above other people just because they happen to be poorer.Since you live in the Third World, like me, you should already know the answer to this question.
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A
male
reader, Islander  +, writes (7 March 2009):
 I'm half Filipino and i know what you mean i see those poor kids running around and touching me when i was there but it don't bother me and everyone else who posted a comment was right as long as you didn't wash your hands in front of them right after they touch you that's what i consider rude. you just wanted to have a clean hands before you do something else and i like that attitude alot of people do that. so dont worry about it
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A
female
reader, TasteofIndia +, writes (7 March 2009):
 It's not awful to wash your hands, as everyone has said just don't cross the line into rudeness by washing your hands immediately and in their eyesight. Otherwise, absolve yourself from guilt. You're just germ-conscious, but your heart is gold!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 March 2009): Have you ever watched Seinfeld? There was an episode, the chef of the restaurant came out of the can, brushed his hair with his bare hands and left the washroom WITHOUT washing his hands.
Observation: as others have mentioned already, do whatever you need to do to clean yourself clean. The chance of those who live in poorer conditions means they have a bigger opportunity to be less hygienic, but that doesn't necessarily mean someone who lives in a nicer place is really that clean either.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 March 2009): I'm a preschool teacher...the rules of handwashing are embedded in my brain. And it is a good thing to wash your hands often during the day! Don't disrespect the people you are trying to help by seeming better than! It would be a good idea to carry antibacterial wipes with you and wait for a discrete opportunity to use them. You can never be too careful! And it doesn't just apply to when you are helping the poor. A wealthy person can have poor hygene practices too. So, I say use discretion!
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (7 March 2009): no you aren't being a bad person - you are being paranoid, and feel guilty, not bad. You have just given them alms, how can you be bad? makes no sense. wash your hands a little later.
Star.x.
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A
female
reader, jessica04 +, writes (7 March 2009):
 The only way that I think it would be considered rude is if you did this seconds after they touched you. If you are out in the community doing charitable work, then no, there isn't anything wrong with washing up at the end of the day, or before you sit down to eat. I would just try to find more appropriate, private times to wash your hands.
No matter who you are touching, rich or poor, cleanliness is always a good habit to keep. I'm a substitute teacher, and I wash my hands probably 10 times a day after dealing with the children.
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