Keeping
hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick
and spreading
germs to others.
It is best to wash
your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
However, if soap and
clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your
hands.
Alcohol-based hand rubs
significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.
When washing hands with soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean
running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
- Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
- Continue rubbing hands for
20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing "Happy Birthday" twice
through to a friend!
- Rinse hands well under
running water
- Dry your hands using a
paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off
the faucet
Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based
gel to clean hands.
When
using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
- Apply product to the palm
of one hand
- Rub hands together
- Rub the product over all
surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
When should you wash your hands?
- Before preparing or eating
food
- After going to the bathroom
- After changing diapers or
cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
- Before and after tending to
someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose,
coughing, or sneezing
- After handling an animal or
animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after treating a
cut or wound