Why is important to wash your hands?

Washing your hands is the most important thing to do to keep from getting sick. 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.

What happens if you do not wash your hands frequently?

You pick up germs fro mother sources and then you infect yourself when you touch your eyes, nose, or your mouth. One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their nose or their eyes after their hands have been contaminated with the cold virus. The important thing to remember is that, in addition to colds, some pretty serious diseases – like hepatitis A, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea – can easily be prevented if people make a habit of washing their hands.

When should you wash your hands?

You should wash your hands often. It is especially important to wash your hands before, during and after you prepare food, before you eat and after you use the bathroom. Wash after handling animals or animal waste. When your hands are dirty and when someone is sick in your home you should wash frequently.

What is the correct way to wash your hands?

• First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack to allow it to drain.
• Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.
• Continue for 10 – 15 seconds or about the length of a little tune. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
• Rinse well and dry your hands.

It is estimated that one of three people do not wash their hands after using the restroom. So these tips are also important when you are out in public.

Source: CDC

Updated: December 28, 2004