Handwashing is an easy way to prevent infection. It limits the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. As you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. In turn, you can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth.The use of water alone is inefficient because water is often unable to remove oils and dirt. Removal of germs from the skin requires the addition of soaps or detergent to water.
Hand washing is easy to do and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections – from your home, to your workplace, to public places. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community.
- When should you wash your hands?
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After touching garbage
When should you wash your hands?
Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Humming the song "Happy Birthday" from beginning to end twice is approximately 20 seconds.
Rinse your hands under running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Alcohol based sanitizers, which do not require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water aren't available. If you do choose to use a hand sanitizer, make sure it is alcohol based and contains at least 60% alcohol.
Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor.
Rinse your hands under running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Alcohol based sanitizers, which do not require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water aren't available. If you do choose to use a hand sanitizer, make sure it is alcohol based and contains at least 60% alcohol.
Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor.
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