December 6th – 12th is National Handwashing Awareness Week!
Handwashing has always been important, but it is especially crucial now as we enter into flu season and as COVID-19 continues to spread. Washing your hands regularly can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, but it’s important to be sure you are washing your hands correctly. A quick rinse isn’t enough to kill the germs.
Why is handwashing important?
- You frequently touch your eyes, nose and mouth without even realizing you are doing so. These are all entry points for germs.
- Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks and multiply, making people sick.
- Unwashed hands allow germs to spread on surfaces such as door handles, toys, tables, etc.
- Diarrheal and respiratory infections commonly spread through unclean hands.
Effective Handwashing
- Wet your hands with clean running water
- Lather your hands with soap and rub them together
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds
- Rinse your hands with running water
- Dry your hands with a clean towel
