With all the recent talk about Coronavirus and the upcoming flu season, we could all do with a gentle reminder about how to effectively wash our hands.
Good hand hygiene is the most effective way to stop infections spreading.
Many infections, such as the common cold and the flu, are caused by spreading germs from person to person.
When to wash your hands:
- Before, during and after preparing food
- After going to the toilet
- After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough
- When your hands are visibly dirty
- After handling or patting animals
- Before and after taking care of someone who is sick
- When you enter and leave a healthcare facility
- After removing gloves
How to wash your hands:
- Wet your hands and apply the soap
- Rub the soap all over your hands
- Wash the backs of your hands and fingers, fingernails, fingertips, and between fingers – counting to 20
- Rinse your hands under running water
- Dry with a towel or paper towel
Using sanitising hand rubs
If soap and water are not available then sanitising hand rubs can be used.
- Use enough hand rub product to cover both of hands
- Rub all surfaces of your hands
- Pay attention to the backs of your hands and fingers, fingernails, fingertips, and the webbing between fingers
- Rub hands together until dry