Handwashing
The first week of December is National Handwashing Week! Washing your hands with soap and water is important in fighting off germs and keeping yourself healthy. Handwashing is also the most effective way to protect yourself from COVID-19. Especially during these times, it is important to emphasize the need to wash your hands on a regular basis.
How do Germs Spread?
Germs can easily spread from one person to the next. The most common way they enter the body is touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with a contaminated surface/person. Our hands touch more surfaces than any other body part and they harbor the most germs. It is recommended that you keep from touching your face before washing your hands in order to prevent the spread of bacteria, and viruses such as COVID-19. Remember to cough/sneeze into a tissue or your elbow to prevent others from getting sick. Also, wear a mask!
When to Wash Your Hands
It is recommended that you wash your hands during key times where you are most likely to come into contact with germs. This includes:
- Before mealtimes and during meal prep
- After using the toilet or changing diapers
- After contact with a frequently touched surface (door handles, light switches, etc.)
- Before contact with children or the elderly
- After touching an animal, animal food, or animal waste
- Before and After caring for someone who is sick
- Before and After cleaning a wound
Handwashing Tips
The best way to disinfect your hands is using soap and water. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap (any kind) and warm water, making sure to get under your fingernails, between your fingers, on the backs of your hands, the skin in between your thumb and forefinger, and your wrists. Proper handwashing technique ensures that your hands will be clean as possible, reducing the risk of infection. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 65% alcohol using the same techniques as above.
Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent any type of illness, from bacterial infections to viral infections. It is especially important to prevent the spread of germs when coming into contact with at-risk populations; children, elderly, and the immunocompromised as they are more likely to get sick from germs than anyone else. It is especially important to wash your hands when you are ill, to prevent others from getting sick. You shouldn’t share any utensils, grooming items, or clothing with anyone while you’re sick, and be sure to disinfect anything you contact as well. Taking these steps to keep your hands clean will help protect the health of not only yourself, but others as well.
If you or anyone you know needs care, please visit our website for information or contact us at (732)-964-0062.
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