December 1-7 is National Hand Washing Awareness Week. Hand washing is easy to do and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness. Here is the correct way to wash your hands:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the water and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap and be sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (sing 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.
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but here are some good health habits to help stop the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing or use the inside of your arm to cover your cough or sneeze and not your hand
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth as germs are often spread this way
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially when someone is ill
- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food