Handwashing is an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and keep children and adults healthy. When your family is healthy, you don’t have to worry about missing school, work or other activities. The first full week of December is National Hand Washing Awareness Week. Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others, especially during COVID-19.
While washing:
Experts recommend washing your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to get a good lather going and clean the back of the hands, between the fingers and under the nails. Dry them using a clean towel.
Memorize the five steps:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls hand-washing a do-it-yourself vaccine and suggests remembering five easy steps: Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry.
Learn the four principles of hand awareness:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty and before eating
- Do not cough into hands
- Do not sneeze into hands
- Don't put your fingers in your eyes, nose or mouth
For more tips and information, visit the
CDC webpage.
