Hand Hygiene
Why is hand hygiene important?
Keeping your hands clean through better hand hygiene is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
Hand hygiene is effective in preventing the spread of infection. Many diseases and conditions spread because people do not wash their hands with soap and clean running water. If clean running water is not available—as is common in many parts of the world—use whatever soap and water are available.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.
When Should You Wash Your Hands?
Being overweight can increase the risk of various health problems, including:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating; before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or other wound
After using the restroom
After touching the trash
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or treats
After changing a diaper or cleaning a child who has used the toilet
How to Wash Your Hands
Wet your hands with clean running water—either warm or cold. Turn off the faucet, then use soap.
Apply soap and rub your hands together. Make sure the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails are also covered with soap.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Sing “Happy Birthday” from start to finish twice.
Wash your hands thoroughly under clean running water.
Dry your hands with a clean towel or let them air dry.
Scientific Reasons
Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions spread because people do not wash their hands with soap and clean running water. The CDC recommends specific ways to clean your hands to prevent illness and stop the spread of germs to others. Guidelines for effective handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer are based on data from numerous studies.
Microbes are all living organisms that are very small in size and may or may not cause disease.
Germs, or pathogens, is a type of microbe that can cause disease
Hand sanitizer isn't as effective when your hands look dirty or greasy.
How do I use hand sanitizer?
• Apply the product to the palm of your hand (read the label to find out the correct amount).
• Rub your hands together.
• Rub the product all over your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
If there is no soap and no clean running water
Washing your hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on your hands in most situations. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer can quickly reduce the number of germs on your hands in certain situations, but it does not eliminate all types of germs and may not remove harmful chemicals.