 Quick Steps for Handwashing
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When done correctly, handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the
spread of communicable diseases.
Handwashing can stop three of the main ways in which diseases spread between
people:
1. Fecal-oral transmission. This refers to diseases we get by ingesting fecal
material (also called stool, excrement, poop, etc.), which happens more often
than we'd like to imagine - usually because someone forgets to wash their hands
after using the toilet and then touches food, drinks or other items. The germs
are transferred to others who touch those items later.
2. Indirect contact with respiratory secretions. Many diseases are spread indirectly
by infected people who cough or sneeze into their hands, leaving respiratory
discharges that can be picked up by other people when they touch or shake hands.
Sneezers and coughers, wash your hands! The rest of us need to remember to wash
our hands after touching anyone who has been coughing and sneezing.
3. Contact with body fluids. Urine, saliva and other moist body substances
can spread microbes. These germs can be transmitted from person to person or
indirectly by contamination of food or objects.
How to Wash
- Use warm water.
- Wet your hands before applying soap.
- Rub your soapy hands together for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly to remove all soap.
- Turn off water with paper towel.
- Dry your hands with an air-dryer or a clean paper towel.
It is estimated that more than one-third of Americans do not wash their hands
after using the bathroom.
Please don't be one of them!
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