Hand washing is one of the best means of preventing the spread of harmful bacteria and viruses. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it may be the single most effective method for preventing illnesses and infections. Despite how simple hand washing is, many people do it incorrectly and all too rarely.
Importance
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services says proper hand washing can prevent diseases that are spread through fecal-oral transmission, airborne infections, contact with respiratory secretions, and those diseases spread via contaminated hands. Such illnesses include the common cold, hepatitis A, salmonellosis, influenza, typhoid and the Epstein-Barr virus. KidsHealth.org notes that many people don’t realize all the things they touch during the day and how easily germs can be transmitted from those surfaces to the nose and mouth.
Process
The CDC recommends using warm water to wash hands. Begin by wetting hands briefly and applying soap. Work the soap into a lather and thoroughly transfer it to every surface of the hands, including the palms, the spaces between fingers, under fingernails and on wrists. Rub hands together for 15 to 20 seconds, or about the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice through. Finally, rinse hands under running water and dry them.
Frequency
Wash hands whenever they come into contact with a surface or object that other people touch or that may carry germs. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health suggests washing hands when you arrive at work, when switching tasks, after using the bathroom, after smoking, after sneezing or coughing, after a meal, after handling dirty dishes or garbage and before eating, drinking or preparing food.
Related Methods
If no soap or water is available, it’s OK to wash hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or clean moist towelette wipes. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services recommends using about 1 tsp. of gel, rubbing it all over hands and letting it dry completely before moving on to something else. Hand sanitizers are less effective when hands are visibly dirty, so be sure to wash with soap and water as soon as it is available if it’s possible to see dirt or grime on hands.
Tips
Use any type of soap for hand washing; it can be antibacterial, liquid, gel, powder or bar soap.
When drying hands with a towel, try to pat them instead of rub them. Patting gently reduces abrasion and irritation.
If hands get too dry or irritated due to frequent hand washing, especially in cold weather, apply a moisturizer after drying them.
