You probably hear constantly this time of year about good hand washing technique to prevent the spread of infection. Nurses, Therapists and Teachers normally carry or use alcohol based hand sanitizer many times per day to protect themselves and their clients. At home, you may not wash your hands as frequently or as thoroughly as you should to prevent the spread of sometimes deadly infection.
Always wash your hands before:
You eat or handle any food.
Inserting or removing contact lenses.
Treating wounds, giving medications or any other personal care.
Always wash your hands after:
Preparing food or going from raw food (meat especially) to other types of food.
Using the restroom or changing a diaper.
Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing in to your hand.
Handling garbage or household waste.
After touching animals.
**You can use an alcohol based hand gel if soap and water are not available.**
What is the right way to wash your hands?
· Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
· Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
· Continue rubbing 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 running water.
· Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
For more information and educational materials, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
