|
Why is it so important to wash your hands?
Sometimes germs can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface like a telephone or a desk and then touches his or her own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.
back to top
How does washing my hands help to lower my risk of sickness?
We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. The most important thing that you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. By frequently washing your hands you wash away germs that you have picked up from other people, or from contaminated surfaces, or from animals and animal waste. Hand sanitizers are also effective, if soap and water are not available. According to a 2004 Harvard Medical School Study, there was a 59% reduction in stomach viruses in families that used hand sanitizers, compared with families who did not use hand sanitizers.
back to top
What is the difference between washing your hands and sanitizing your hands?
The most important difference is the availability of soap and water. Hand sanitizer is made for washing hands when water isn’t available.
back to top
When should you wash or sanitize your hands?
You should wash or sanitize your hands often. It is especially important to cleanse your hands:
Before, during, and after you prepare food
Before you eat, and after you use the bathroom
After handling animals or animal waste
When your hands are soiled or dirty, and
More frequently when someone in your home is sick.
back to top
What is the correct way to wash your hands?
First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar of soap on a rack and allow it to drain.
Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.
Continue for 10-15 seconds or about the length it takes to sing the Happy Birthday song twice. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
Rinse well and dry your hands.
back to top
What is the correct way to sanitize your hands?
Apply a dime size amount of hand sanitizer to hands.
Rub hands thoroughly together until completely dry.
No rinsing or towels required.
back to top
How can I clean my hands when water is not available, such as when traveling or picnicking away from home?
You can use Germ-X® hand sanitizer or Germ-X® soft wipes when soap and water are unavailable. You can find disposable wipes and hand gel sanitizers in most supermarkets and drugstores. (See where to Buy)
back to top
|