Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses, such as: the common cold, influenza and tummy bugs which are spread through hand to mouth contact.
Frequently asked questions
When should I wash my hands?
- after going to the toilet
- before eating
- before, during, and after handling or preparing food
- after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
- after playing outside
- after having contact with animals, their toys, leashes, or waste
- after touching something that could be contaminated (such as a rubbish bin, cleaning cloth, drain, or soil)
- before dressing a wound, giving medicine or putting in contact lenses
- after contact with blood or body fluids (like vomit, nasal secretions, or saliva)
- after changing a nappy
- more often when someone in your home is sick
- whenever they look dirty.
How should I wash my hands?
- wet your hands under clean running water. Use warm water if available
- put soap on your hands and wash for 20 seconds. Liquid soap is best
- rub hands together until the soap makes bubbles
- rub on both sides of both hands
- and in between fingers and thumbs
- and round and round both hands
- rinse all the soap off under clean running water. Use warm water if available
- dry your hands all over for 20 seconds. Using a paper towel is best (or, if at home, a clean dry towel ) If soap and water is unavailable, use hand gel.