Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important steps to staying healthy and preventing the spread of illness. Hand hygiene requires more than a quick rinse under the tap. This blog post will review some hand hygiene tips and best practices.
Tip #1: Wash your hands frequently.
Hand washing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands before and after eating, using the lavatory, touching an animal, and coughing or sneezing.
Tip #2: Employ the proper technique.
You must use the proper technique to ensure your hands are properly cleaned. Wet your hands with clean, running water, and lather with soap for at least 20 seconds. Scrub your hands’ surfaces, including the backs, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Tip #3: When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
While washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove germs, this isn’t always possible. When on the go, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol. Rub the sanitiser all over your hands until they are dry.
Tip #4: Try not to touch your face.
Germs can be picked up by your hands from surfaces such as doorknobs, shopping carts, and elevator buttons. Touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth, can spread germs and increase your risk of infection.
Tip #5: Encourage others to practice proper hand hygiene.
Inform your friends, family, and coworkers about the importance of hand hygiene. Encourage them to regularly wash their hands and cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
Hand hygiene is a simple but effective way to protect your health and prevent illness from spreading. You can reduce your risk of infection by following these tips and best practices for keeping your hands clean and healthy.
References:
- Hand Washing: Technique, Antibacterial Soap & Hand Sanitizers. (2020, May 3). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/17474-hand-washing
- Keeping Hands Clean. (2022, June 15). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hygiene/personal-hygiene/hands.html
