Sunday, October 31, 2010

Clean Hands Save Lives

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. However, if soap and clean water are not accessible, as is common in many parts of the world, use soap and available water or an alcohol-based product containing at least 60% alcohol to clean hands.

Keeping Hands Clean

Handwashing and Hand Sanitizers

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are fast acting and significantly reduce the number of many types of germs on the skin; however, they will not kill all germs (for example, Cryptosporidium spp.).

When should you wash your hands?

Before and after preparing food
Before and after eating food
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
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

Remember: If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based gel (at least 60% alcohol) to clean hands.

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? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
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 using an alcohol-based hand rub:

Apply product to the palm of one hand, using the amount of product indicated on the label.
Rub hands together.
Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.