Clean Hands Save Lives
As we head into the heart of cold and flu season, it’s important to remember that washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs. Check out these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
When washing hands with soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap. Use warm water if it is available.
- Rub hands together to make a lather and scrub all surfaces.
- Continue rubbing hands for 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through to a friend!
- Rinse hands well under running water
- Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet
When should you wash your hands?
- Before preparing or eating food
- After going to the bathroom
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
- Before and after tending to someone who is sick
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After handling an animal or animal waste
- After handling garbage
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel to clean hands. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
- Apply product to the palm of one hand
- Rub hands together
- Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.
This information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Click here to view their website.
If you’re looking for a flu shot this year, don’t forget our 2008-2009 Flu Shot Guide.
