November 22, 2011

Handwashing 101

With flu season right here upon us, handwashing is an important and vital step in the fight against that nasty flu bug. Here are the steps as recommended by the CDC for proper handwashing technique.

What is the right way to wash your hands?

  • Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
  • Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  • Continue rubbing 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 running water.
  • Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them.

Scource: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

2 comments:

Donna OShaughnessy said...

So funny, when I left nursing last year I never thought I'd see another "how-to" about hand washing...but here it is ! Funny though, most folks think 2-3 seconds is enough. Like tooth brushing, handwashing takes a little effort. Worst offender? Physicians ! Rarely do they wash hands before touching a pt. Rarely

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

@ Donna-Yikes!

I am a fastidious handwasher and equate that to very, very seldom getting sick.I wash hands the very, very minute I walk in from any sort of outing. Seems to work. Two times through "Happy Birthday"is longer than one would think though.