Over the last two months you have no doubt heard repeatedly the importance of handwashing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In addition to preventing COVID-19, hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of almost all germs, so we want to talk more about hand hygiene in celebration of World Hand Hygiene Day – May 5th.
Why is Handwashing Important?
As you know there are germs everywhere, and yes we mean literally everywhere, even inside of you! Most of these tiny microorganisms cause us no harm whatsoever, but there are plenty out there that can cause minor to serious illnesses. These germs can be transferred via your hands to others or to yourself. According to the CDC, germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:
- Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
- Touch a contaminated surface or objects
- Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects
Because germs are easily transferred via touch, one of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to wash your hands.
How to Wash Your Hands
- Turn on the faucet with warm running water
- Place a pea sized dollop of soap into your hands
- Scrub hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds
- Be sure to scrub in between fingers and under fingernails
- Rinse hands
- Dry hands with a clean paper towel
- Turn off faucet with your paper towel
World Hand Hygiene
Clean Hands Count – Know the Truth
