Handwashing

OVERVIEW OF HANDWASHING

Is recommended with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to eliminate germs from the hands

It is advised that the hands be washed with clean, running water

It is best to keep fingernails short and remove the ring before hand washing, as germs thrive under the nails and jewelry

HOW GERMS ARE SPREAD

Nose, mouth, or eyes to hands to others: by sneezing, coughing, or rubbing the eyes

Hands to food: from unclean hands to food by an infected food preparer

Food to hands to food: from raw foods, such as chicken, to hands while preparing a meal

Animals to people: hands after petting animals or touching any surface or person

Infected person to hands to other people: someone cleans a patient or linen soiled from diarrhea does not immediately wash the hands, the germs can be passed on to others

THE IDEAL TIME TO WASH THE HANDS

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before and after eating food

Before and after caring for a sick person

Before and after treating a cut or wound

Before entering or leaving a public place

Before inserting or removing contact lenses

After using the toilet

Before taking medication, such as pills or eye drops

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child

After blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing

After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

After handling pet food or pet treats

After touching garbage

After smoking

After handling money or receipts

After shaking hands with others

If hands are visibly dirty or greasy

Touching an item or surface that is frequently touched by other people, such as door handles

STEPS TO HANDWASHING

Remove all jewelry

Open the tap and adjust the flow rate

Wet hands under the running water

Apply soap – liquid soap is recommended (bar soap harbors germs)

Rub hands vigorously for 20 – 30 seconds

Wash all surfaces including:

Back of the wrists

Wrists

Between fingers

Tips of fingers

Thumbs

Rinse well, keeping the hands pointed upward so the water runs from the cleanest to the most contaminated place

Dry the hands carefully with paper or a clean cloth towel

Turn off faucet with towel and open the door with towel

HAND SANITIZERS

Hand sanitizers are becoming increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in helping reduce the spread of infectious germs and bacteria. Not only are hand sanitizers proven to be an effective tool for reducing the transmission of germs, but they are also affordable, easy to use, and portable. When used properly, hand sanitizers can help prevent the spread of viruses, such as influenza and other contagious illnesses. Hand sanitizers work by killing harmful bacteria on contact and providing a layer of protection against further infection. They can also be used when soap and water is not available, making them an ideal solution for people who travel or need quick access to clean hands on the go.

HOW TO USE A HAND SANITIZER

Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount)

Rub your hands together

Rub the gel over all the surfaces of the hands and fingers for about 20 seconds or until they become dry