Hand-washing: Do's and don'ts Show
Hand-washing is an easy way to prevent infection. Understand when to wash your hands, how to properly use hand sanitizer and how to get your children into the habit. By Mayo Clinic StaffFrequent hand-washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Find out when and how to wash your hands properly. When to wash your handsAs you touch people, surfaces and objects throughout the day, you accumulate germs on your hands. You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth, or spread them to others. Although it's impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing your hands with soap and water frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. Always wash your hands before and after:
Always wash your hands after:
Also, wash your hands when they are visibly dirty. How to wash your handsIt's generally best to wash your hands with soap and water. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Follow these steps:
How to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizerAlcohol-based hand sanitizers, which don't require water, are an acceptable alternative when soap and water aren't available. If you use a hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60% alcohol. Follow these steps:
Kids need clean hands, tooHelp children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands frequently. Wash your hands with your child to show him or her how it's done. To prevent rushing, suggest washing hands for as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. If your child can't reach the sink on his or her own, keep a step stool handy. Be sure to supervise young children using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Swallowing alcohol-based sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning. Store the container safely away after use. A simple way to stay healthyHand-washing offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Adopting this habit can play a major role in protecting your health. Mayo Clinic Minute: How dirty are common surfaces?Jason Howland: Most of us aren't aware we are doing it. We touch our face between three to 30 times an hour. The problem, says Dr. Gregory Poland, is what we touch beforehand is often riddled with germs. Gregory Poland, M.D., Vaccine Research Group Mayo Clinic: Bathroom faucets, door handles, escalator rails, computer terminals, anything that is commonly touched by the public. Jason Howland: But how germ-filled are common objects? Let's start with money. Gregory Poland, M.D.: Bad but not highly transmissible. Jason Howland: Touchscreens, devices, phones? Gregory Poland, M.D.: Bad. Jason Howland: Restaurant menus? Gregory Poland, M.D.: Really bad. Jason Howland: Doorknob handles? Gregory Poland, M.D.: Really, really bad. Jason Howland: What about our computer keyboards? Gregory Poland, M.D.: Those have been shown over and over again to be really grossly contaminated. Jason Howland: These common surfaces aren't just gross. They can be a vehicle to spread cold and flu viruses, and make you sick. Dr. Poland offers these suggestions. Gregory Poland, M.D.: First, keep your hands out of your eyes, nose and mouth. Second is either wash your hands with soap and water, or use hand sanitizer. Jason Howland: And make sure you get your annual flu vaccine. For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I'm Jason Howland. Mayo Clinic Minute: You're washing your hands all wrongIan Roth: Children often are taught at a young age to wash their hands — before eating and after using the restroom. It's an easy and effective way to stay healthy and avoid spreading disease. But Dr. Gregory Poland, director of Mayo Clinic’s Vaccine Research Group says adults could do much better at the sink. Gregory Poland, M.D.: People go to the bathroom and they run their fingers under the water. Well, that does nothing. And, then they grab the dirty faucet, and they touch the dirty handle on the way out of the bathroom. Ian Roth: Dr. Poland says that in public washrooms there are often more bacteria on those faucets than in the toilet water. So, next time you’re at the sink… Gregory Poland, M.D.: So you wash your hands while singing happy birthday to yourself, you get between the fingers, the fingertips, the thumb, you turn the water off with a paper towel, and you open the door to leave with a paper towel and dispose of the paper towel. That's how you wash your hands — ideally, with warm, soapy water. Ian Roth: For the Mayo Clinic News Network, I’m Ian Roth. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research
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. What is the most essential part of effective handwashing?Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
What are the 3 essential components of handwashing?Three components:. Warm water.. Friction.. What is the best practice in relation to hand washing?Wet your hands with water.. Apply enough soap to cover your hands.. Rub your hands together.. Use 1 hand to rub the back of the other hand and clean in between the fingers. ... . Rub your hands together and clean in between your fingers.. Rub the back of your fingers against your palms.. Rub your thumb using your other hand.. What are two 2 most common ways to ensure hand hygiene?Hand washing with soap and water:
Rub hands vigorously for at least 15 seconds, covering all surfaces of hands and fingers. Rinse hands with water and dry thoroughly with a paper towel. Use a paper towel to turn off the water faucet.
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