Hand Washing Reduces Cold & Flu Show 5 Steps to proper hand-washing helps reduce sickness 1. WET YOUR HANDS - It is important to use clean water to wet your hands. The temperature of the water doesn't really make a difference for effectiveness but most people like warm water when available. Make sure to get all of your skin wet and then turn off the faucet and apply soap. 2. LATHER YOUR HANDS - Many people quickly rub their hands together while the water is running. This causes the soap to quickly run off before you have had a chance to thoroughly clean your skin. With the water off apply the soap and rub your hands together until the bubbles begin to build up. This "lathering" is a sign you are doing a good job. Be sure to scrub every part of your hands including both front and back, under your nails and between your fingers. 3. SCRUB YOUR HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS - Simply applying water and soap isn't enough. It is important you scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to remove dirt, bacteria or any germs that could be transmitted. Count to 20 or hum the happy birthday song twice before you begin to rinse.4. RINSE YOUR HANDS - Turn the tap back on and rinse your hands well under clean running water. Be sure to rinse off all of the soap residue under your nails and from every part of your hands. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.5. DRY YOUR HANDS USING A CLEAN TOWEL - If in a public place, be sure to get your paper towel before turning off the faucet. Germs are all over bathroom fixtures. Reach for the towel, dry your hands thoroughly and then use the towel to turn off the faucet. Use that same towel to open the bathroom door. The door is another germ-filled object. The waste basket should be positioned near the door where you can discard your towel after opening the door with it. If you are in a public restroom that doesn't have paper products but uses an electric hand dryer, grab some toilet paper to touch fixtures or door handles. If there is no running water, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.Practicing proper hand-washing is essential to public health and will help reduce your chances of transmitting or catching one of these common cold-weather illnesses. MFASCO Hand-Washing & Sanitation Resources: Maintaining safe & sanitary environments work environments is essential for any operating business & organization. Taking proper care of your employees includes providing hand protection when their job requires a sterile work environment. Especially when they are working with sensitive, dangerous, and dirty materials. Here are a few of MFASCOs Hand-Washing & Sanitation Resources: Hand Safety Products & Accessories:
Additional Resources for Hand Protection: Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — Written by Jayne Leonard — Updated on July 2, 2020
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of bacterial and viral illnesses. Throughout the day, people’s hands accumulate germs and dirt as they touch objects and other people. Individuals can then transfer these substances to others, or infect themselves when touching their face. Regular hand washing can limit the transfer of microbes, such as bacteria and viruses. However, many people do not wash their hands properly or for long enough to get rid of the germs. In this article, we explain how to wash the hands correctly and why it is so important. Share on Pinterest To wash the hands, follow the simple steps in the diagram above. For a more in-depth guide to hand washing, follow these steps:
The following tips may make hand washing easier and more effective: Wash the hands regularly throughout the dayIt is a good idea to wash the hands several times during the day. Key times to wash the hands include:
Wash for at least 20 secondsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend scrubbing the hands for at least 20 seconds. In the absence of a timer, they suggest singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while washing. Use any temperature waterResearch indicates that different temperature waters do not have a significantly different effect on the number of bacteria that hand washing removes. The thorough washing technique is what removes the bacteria. However, warm water can be more pleasant than cold water, especially when washing the hands for 20 seconds. Use any type of soapPlain soap and water are very effective at removing microbes from the skin. It does not matter what kind of soap a person uses. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is not enough evidence to show that over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are any better at killing microbes than regular soaps. Encourage children to wash their handsIt is important that children wash their hands regularly, especially after playing outdoors, touching pets, using the toilet, and at other key times. Adults should show children how to wash their hands correctly and encourage them to sing “Happy Birthday” twice to ensure they clean their hands for an adequate length of time. Take care when drying the handsMicrobes transfer more easily to and from wet hands, so individuals should always dry their hands after they wash them. How a person dries their hands also matters. Research indicates that both hot air hand dryers and cloth roller towels are less hygienic than disposable paper towels. Hot air hand dryers, for example, can cause particles and microorganisms to disperse into the air. These microorganisms then contaminate the environment. As an alternative to disposable paper towels, an individual can use a dry hand towel that they regularly wash at 140oF. Individuals should not share this towel with others. Combat dry skin with hand creamIf frequent washing causes dry or cracked skin, it can be helpful to use a moisturizing hand cream or lotion throughout the day. Cracked skin allows microbes to enter the body through the surface breaks more easily. If dry, chapped, or painful skin becomes a persistent problem, it can indicate that an individual is over washing their hands. They should discuss any concerns they have with a doctor. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailableWhile washing with soap and water is the best way to remove bacteria and viruses from the skin, these two things are not always readily available. At these times, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is an acceptable alternative. To use a hand sanitizer:
Note that hand sanitizers do not kill all types of microbes, and they will not remove visible dirt, grease, and chemicals from the skin. FDA Notice There are different types of hand washing, including: Routine, or socialThis type of hand washing involves the use of soap and water. People perform this type to remove visible dirt, after using the toilet, before preparing food, and at other times. It usually lasts a few seconds. AntisepticThis type of hand washing uses water and antimicrobial soap. It removes or destroys microbes on the skin. Medical professionals may use this method before touching a high risk patient, or after contact with a person with an infection. SurgicalMedical professionals perform this hand washing, involving water and antiseptic soap, before all surgical procedures. It lasts for at least 2 minutes. Proper hand washing is necessary to reduce the risk of:
Proper hand washing can prevent the spread of illness and infection. It is a simple yet effective technique that anyone can use. To properly wash the hands, use soap and water, and rub every surface of the fingers and hands for at least 20 seconds. Thoroughly dry the hands on a disposable or clean towel, or allow to dry in the air. Last medically reviewed on March 18, 2020 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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