Proper handwashing is one of the best ways to prevent illness year-round. It's especially important in the midst of a global pandemic. From foodborne illness to the flu and the coronavirus (COVID-19) – taking just 20 seconds to scrub with soap and water will help wash germs down the drain.
Wash Often
“Frequent handwashing helps you and others stay healthy,” says Lance King, M.D., a family medicine physician and medical director of Warren Clinic. “Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.”
Washing your hands is easy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest the following five steps every time.
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather 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.
When to Wash Your Hands
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
The Scoop on Hand Sanitizer
You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. It’s important to know that sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs, and hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Ultimately, washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations according to the CDC.
Saint Francis Health System Resources
COVID-19 information: saintfrancis.com/COVID19
Flu information: saintfranics.com/flu