Washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to the CDC, soap and friction help remove dirt, oil, and germs (including the germs that cause COVID-19) from your skin and then rinse them off your hands. But you have to do it correctly with soap and water.
When soap and water are not available, the next best option is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Your sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol. Otherwise, it will not kill germs effectively.
Path to better health
Proper handwashing not only reduces the spread of COVID-19, it can also prevent the spread of other illnesses like the cold and flu.
Handwashing requires five easy steps:
- Wet:Place both hands under clean running water.
- Foam:Apply a generous amount of soap to the inside and back of your hands, as well as your fingertips. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (sing happy birthday) and don’t forget to wash under your jewelry and nails. Fingertips are especially important since people often put their fingers on their face, nose, and eyes. This is how the virus spreads.
- Scrub:Rub both hands together and move your fingertips around both hands. You don’t need a brush to scrub. You don’t need to make sudden, scrubbing movements.
- Rinse:Return both hands to running water and gently wash off the soap.
- Dry:Completely dry the water from your hands. It is best to use a disposable towel (paper towel) to avoid leaving germs on the towels. Air dryers, commonly found in public bathrooms, are also effective.
When do I need to wash my hands?
Washing your hands throughout the day is important, but even more important during flu season or an outbreak like COVID-19. Always remember to wash your hands in these situations:
- After returning from a public outing (grocery store, work, school, concert, sporting activity, hospital, nursing home, etc.).
- Before leaving the bathroom, both at home and in public bathrooms.
- After shaking hands during flu season and virus outbreaks.
- Before, during and after preparing food, especially raw food.
- Before eating food.
- Before and after caring at home for someone who is sick with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.
- Before and after treating a cut or wound.
- After changing diapers or cleaning a child who has gone to the bathroom.
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- After touching an animal, animal food, or animal droppings.
- After handling pet food or treats.
- After touching garbage.
- After putting on your shoes.
- After using public computers, touching public tables and counters, cash and coins, other people’s phones, etc.
How long should I wash my hands?
Science has shown that washing your hands for 20 seconds is effective in killing germs. Don’t have the patience for this? Experts say that washing your hands while singing Happy Birthday twice makes the experience faster and more pleasant.
When should I use hand sanitizer?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) is helpful in protecting against the spread of germs and viruses. However, it is still best to wash your hands with soap and water. Hand sanitizer is effective when soap and water are not available. This includes when traveling on public transportation and it is difficult to get to the bathroom (plane, train, bus). Carrying a travel-sized bottle of hand sanitizer makes it easy to sanitize your hands in many situations where you are around other people.
Apply a generous drop of hand sanitizer to the palm of your hand and rub it into both hands, front and back, and fingertips.
Things to consider
It is important to use clean running water. Never wash your hands by submerging them in a bowl or container of standing water. This water could contain germs that continue to live there. Sometimes clean running water is affected by natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, etc.). There is still some benefit to washing your hands with soap in these situations, as long as it is under running water.
Avoid touching doorknobs, toilet handles, and faucets after washing your hands. Try using a paper towel, the sleeve of your clothing, a scarf, or gloves to protect your hands and fingers from germs.
Do not leave hand sanitizer unattended near small children. Drinking it is poisonous.
Read more at Familydoctor.org
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Get the facts about coronavirus (COVID-19)
Hand sanitizers and coronavirus (COVID-19)
