Department of Health Recommends Frequent Handwashing
“We often remind people during cold and flu season about the importance of handwashing. But washing our hands frequently needs to be part of our daily routine,” said Department of Health Cabinet Secretary Retta Ward, MPH. “Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says handwashing is like a “do-it-yourself” vaccine. It involves five simple and effective steps.
- 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.
If soap and water are not available, and your hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of microbes on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.
For more information visit the Hand Hygiene Day page.
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El Departamento de Salud Recomienda el Lavado de Manos Frecuente