Keep Germs Away by Washing Your Hands

The flu season is just beginning. The most important thing you and your family can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.

Protection against germs
Think about all of the things that you touched today - from the telephone to the toilet.

Whatever you did, you came into contact with germs. So it is easy for germs on your hands to end up in your mouth.

By washing your hands often and the right way, you wash away germs that you pick up from other people.

Survey on hand washing
Did you know that about 23% of men and 12% of women do not wash their hands after using the restroom? The American Society for Soap and Detergent did a survey of hand washing earlier this year. It asked people questions about their hand-washing habits and also watched people in public restrooms. It found:
People do not always wash their hands after using the bathroom - 92% of adults say they always wash their hands after using public restrooms. However, just 77% of men and 88% of women were seen doing so.

People wash their hands less at home - 86% say they wash their hands after using the bathroom at home. Germs are germs, and a bathroom is a bathroom.

Only 34% of people in the survey said they wash their hands after coughing or sneezing. It is nice to cover your mouth with your hand when you cough. But if you then reach for your spouse's pizza, you might as well not have bothered.

How to wash your hands correctly

• There is a right way to wash your hands. Follow these simple steps to keep your hands clean:
• Use warm water (not cold or hot).
• Use whatever soap you like. Antibacterial soaps are popular, but regular soap works fine. If you think that your hands have come into contact with someone with an infection, think about using an alcohol hand cleaner.
• Rub your hands together and scrub all surfaces: Lather up on both sides of your hands, your wrists, between your fingers, and around your nails. Wash for 15 seconds.
• Rinse well under warm running water, and pat dry with a clean towel.
• Toilet and door handles have many germs. Use a paper towel in public restrooms to flush the toilet and open the door. Throw the towel away after you leave.
• Waterless hand soaps or scrubs are a good alternative when soap and water are not available. The anti-bacterial scrubs come in liquid form, as wipes or towelettes. They often come in small travel sizes that are perfect for keeping in your car, purse, or sports bag.
• Remember, proper and frequent hand washing is the key to preventing the spread of many common infections.

Source: FDA.gov