Handwashing:The when,

where, why, and how.

Why should I wash my hands? To prevent the spread of germs• - Germs get into your body through your mouth, nose, and eyes by

touching your face.

- Germs get into foods by unwashed hands and then they are consumed.

- Germs get transferred to other objects that are touched by others.

When should I wash my hands?• Before, during, and after preparing food.• Before eating.• Before and after caring for someone who is

sick.• After using the toilet.• After blowing your nose, coughing, or

sneezing.• After touching animals.• After handling garbage.

Where should I wash my hands?

• Anywhere there is running water, soap, and a towel or hand sanitizer.– School– Work– Restaurants– Parks– Hospitals– Home– Library

How do I wash my hands?

• With soap and water… ... or with hand sanitizer.

Washing with soap and water.

1. Wet your hands2. Apply soap3. Lather and scrub for 20 seconds– Don’t forget to wash between your fingers, the tops of

your hands, and under your fingernails.

4. Rinse for at least 10 seconds5. Dry your hands thoroughly.

- Use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door before throwing it away!

Washing with hand sanitizer.

• Apply enough sanitizer to cover both hands• Rub hands together, in between fingers, on top of

nails and under nails, and rub tops of hands• Continue rubbing until hands are air dried- do not

use a paper towel

Wash your hands

and save lives!

Reference

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016). Handwashing: Clean hands save lives. Retrieved from:

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html