Washing your hands is one of the most important steps you can take to prevent the spread of germs and illness. To properly wash your hands, follow these steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to lather the soap, making sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
It’s important to wash your hands regularly throughout the day, especially after using the bathroom, before and after eating, and after being in public places where you may have come in contact with germs.
If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Apply the sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub it all over the surfaces of your hands until they are dry.
By properly washing your hands, you can help protect yourself and others from getting sick.
It’s also important to teach children the proper way to wash their hands. Encourage them to sing a song like “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” while washing to ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds. You can also use visual aids, such as pictures or diagrams, to show them the proper technique.
Additionally, it’s important to remember to not touch your face, mouth, or eyes after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, as this can increase the risk of spreading germs. Regular hand washing is especially crucial during flu season and in situations where there is an outbreak of illness.
By following proper hand washing techniques and making it a habit, you can help keep yourself and others healthy and prevent the spread of illness.
In certain situations, it’s important to take extra precautions with hand hygiene. For example, healthcare workers and those caring for someone who is sick should follow strict hand washing protocols to prevent the spread of infection.
People with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses may also need to be extra careful with hand hygiene to avoid getting sick. In these cases, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine the best practices for hand hygiene.
Remember, washing your hands is a simple but effective way to protect yourself and others from illness. By making it a regular part of your routine, you can help prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself and those around you healthy.
