Frequent hand
washing is one of the
best ways to avoid
getting sick and
spreading illness.
Hand washing requires
only soap and water or
an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer - a cleanser
that doesn’t require
water. Find out when
and how to wash your
hands properly.
When to wash your hands
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. Although it’s impossible to
keep your hands germ-free, washing
your hands frequently can help limit the
transfer of bacteria, viruses and other
microbes.
Always wash your hands before:
•
Preparing food
•
Eating
•
Treating wounds or giving medicine
•
Touching a sick or injured person
•
Inserting or removing contact lenses
Always wash your hands after:
•
Preparing food, especially raw meat
or poultry
•
Using the toilet
•
Changing a diaper
•
Touching an animal or animal toys,
leashes or waste
•
Blowing your nose, coughing or
sneezing into your hands
•
Treating wounds
•
Touching a sick or injured person
•
Handling garbage or something that
could be contaminated, such as a
cleaning cloth or soiled shoes
Of course, it’s also important to wash
your hands whenever they look dirty.
How to wash your hands
It’s generally best to wash your hands
with soap and water. Follow these
simple steps:
•
Wet your hands with running water.
•
Apply liquid, bar or powder soap.
•
Lather well.
•
Rub your hands vigorously for at least
20 seconds. Remember to scrub all
surfaces, including the backs of your
hands, wrists, between your fngers
and under your fngernails.
•
Rinse well.
•
Dry your hands with a clean or
disposable towel or air dryer.
•
If possible, use your towel to turn off
the faucet.
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