Handwashing and Hand Hygiene

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Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread when we don’t wash our hands with soap and clean-running water. If clean, running water is not accessible, use soap and available water. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol to clean hands. Remember, though, that hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty.

Hand washing is a very effective health tool:

Hand washing reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 31%.
Diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems is lowered by 58% when hands are washed properly.
Respiratory illness, like colds, is reduced by 21% in the general population.
Learn more about handwashing

When should you wash your hands?

When your hands are visibly soiled
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 bathroom
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

What is the right way to clean your hands?

Using Soap and Water:

Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. If you need a “timer,” hum the “Happy birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air-dry them.

Using alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

Apply a quarter-sized amount of product to the palm of one hand.
Rub your hands together.
Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry. It should take at least 20 seconds.

Remember: Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty.