Facts About Handwashing

Fast Facts About Proper Handwashing

Keeping your hands germ-free is your first line of defense against getting sick from, and spreading, harmful germs and bacteria. The health experts at Campbell County Hospital outline some interesting and helpful facts about the importance of proper hand hygiene.

Facts About Washing Your Hands

When you follow proper handwashing protocol, you can effectively remove harmful germs and bacteria from your hands. Subsequently, this helps to prevent the spread of illness-causing viruses and various germs to others. Washing your hands properly and frequently can have the following positive effects:

• Preventing up to 50% of cases of people getting sick with diarrheal diseases.
• Reduces respiratory infections, like the common cold and the flu, by 16-19%.
• If everyone around the world washed their hands, over a million deaths could be prevented each year.
• Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers in classrooms can reduce sickness-related absences by up to 20%.
• Reduces the risk of cross-contamination and many foodborne illnesses.

Proper Handwashing Technique

While washing your hands can be a helpful way to prevent the spread of germs, it is only effective if you use proper handwashing techniques. Although most people around the globe wash their hands with clean water, very few use soap—which is essential when it comes to removing germs.

Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Each time you wash your hands, be sure to follow these step to keep your hands clean:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water.
• Lather your hands with antibacterial hand soap, being sure to get between your fingers and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
• Rinse your hands with clean, running water.
• Dry your hands with a clean, disposable hand towel.

If you’re sick of singing “Happy Birthday” to keep track of how long you’re washing your hands, the choruses of the following songs can also help you to hit 20 seconds:

• Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond
• Africa by Toto
• Baby One More Time by Britney Spears
• Jolene by Dolly Parton
• A Spoonful of Sugar from Mary Poppins
• Livin' On A Prayer by Bon Jovi
• Love Shack The B-52's

When to Wash Your Hands

With an emphasis on washing your hands often, you may find yourself wondering when exactly you should clean your hands. It is recommended that you clean your hands under the following circumstances:

• Before eating.
• Before, during, and after preparing food.
• After using the bathroom.
• After coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or caring for someone who is ill
• After taking out the garbage.
• After petting animals.
• When visiting someone who is sick.
• Whenever your hands look or feel dirty.

Using Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.

• Apply the 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.

CCH is open, safe and ready to see you.

With almost 80 physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in nearly 20 specialties, CCH is committed to your wellbeing right here at home. If you have been putting off a visit to your doctor for a regular checkup, contact them; they can help weigh your personal healthcare risk and avoid further delayed diagnoses.

Visit www.cchwyo.org/findadoc to find your provider or clinic.