CDC Reminds People to Wash Hands Often to Stay Healthy

You can help yourself and others stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After touching garbage.
Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals.

Follow these five steps every time.

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. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer Only When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

Remember these key facts about alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations.
Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals from hands like pesticides and heavy metals.
Be cautious when using hand sanitizers around children. Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple mouthfuls is swallowed.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer

Apply the gel to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
Rub your hands together.
Rub the gel over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.