The Importance of Proper Handwashing
Why It’s Important to Keep Your Hands Clean
Germs and viruses sit on the surfaces around you, and without realizing it, you may be inviting them into your body, leaving you sick and unwell. From Covid-19 to the flu to the common cold, you can catch plenty of illnesses if you aren’t practicing proper hand hygiene.
Washing your hands with soap and water can help keep yourself and others healthy by reducing the spread of germs and bacteria. Some of the ways germs spread include:
- If you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- You prepare food with unclean hands
- You blow your nose, sneeze, or cough into your hands and then touch other surfaces
Frequent hand washing is the best way to ensure they are germ-free and clean, which protects yourself and others.
How to Wash Your Hands Properly
According to the CDC, there are five steps that should be taken every time you wash your hands to ensure they are efficiently cleaned:
- Start by rinsing your hands with clean, running water. After your hands are wet, turn off the water, and apply a generous amount of soap.
- Rub your hands together to create a lather; make sure to get the backs of your hands, in between your fingers, and under your fingernails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. To help track the time, hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse your hands with clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.
If you aren’t able to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. And then, when you can, give your hands a good wash.
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