28 May Handwashing 101
Posted at 20:10h
in Health News
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick.
Key Times to Wash Hands
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you should also clean hands:
- Before, during & after preparing/eating food
- Before & after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching animals, their food or their waste
- After handling pet food or pet treats
During the COVID-19 pandemic, you should also clean hands:
- After you have been in a public place and touched an item or surface that may be frequently touched by
other people, such as door handles, tables, gas pumps, shopping carts or electronic cashier registers/screens. - Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth because that’s how germs enter our bodies.
Follow these five steps every time.
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between
your fingers and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning
to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
cdc.gov