Handwashing

 

Wash Your Hands

Handwashing is a simple thing and it's the best way to prevent infection and illness. Keeping hands clean prevents illness at home, at school, and at work. In healthcare settings, handwashing can prevent potentially fatal infections from spreading from patient to patient and from patient to healthcare worker and vice-versa. At home, handwashing can prevent infection and illness from spreading from family member to family member and, sometimes, throughout a community. Below are a few tips on keeping your hands clean and sanitized.

 

When should I wash my hands?

  • Every time you use the restroom
  • Before meals
  • After meals
  • After handling garbage
  • After handling any food
  • After touching a pet
  • After changing a diaper
  • After blowing your nose

What's the best way to wash my hands?
Use soap and warm water, and scrub every nook and cranny you can, rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Get in between your fingers, cover the entire palm, and wash all the way down to the wrist on both sides. Some people say their ABCs and rinse when you get to Z. Try to avoid using your newly clean hands to touch the faucet or doorknob. Use a paper towel if available.

What kind of problems can regular handwashing prevent?

  • Influenza (the flu)
  • The common cold
  • Strep throat
  • Intestinal disorders, including diarrhea
  • Pneumonia

Handwashing Resources

Print Order Form for Handwashing and Infection Prevention Campaign Materials

CDC’s Hygiene-related Posters

CDC's School Network for Absenteeism Prevention – Check out SNAP Toolkit for middle school curriculum on handwashing.

Fifth Guy Campaign

Scrub Club Website

Clean Hands Save Lives! Poster English

Sink Those Germs, Wash Your Hands! Youth Handwashing Education Program

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wash Your Hands

World Health Organization Clean Care is Safer Care