Handwashing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of many types of infection and illness.
When should you wash your hands?
• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching animal waste
• After touching garbage
What is the right way to wash your hands?
• Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the tap and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
— Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, June 2016
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