CDC: Why Wash Your Hands?

Washing your hands is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself and others healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the bathroom.

Why is Handwashing Important?

Handwashing is important because it helps to prevent the spread of germs. Germs can cause a variety of illnesses, including the common cold, the flu, and gastrointestinal infections. When you wash your hands, you remove germs from your skin and prevent them from being transferred to other people or objects.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

The CDC recommends that you wash your hands at the following times:

• Before eating or preparing food
• After using the bathroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• After touching an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• After changing a diaper
• Before and after visiting a sick person
• After touching a wound or cut
• After handling money
• After using public transportation

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

To wash your hands properly, follow these steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.
2. Apply soap to your hands and lather it up.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to get between your fingers, under your nails, and on the backs of your hands.
4. Rinse your hands thoroughly with clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.

Handwashing Tips

• Use liquid soap instead of bar soap. Liquid soap is more hygienic because it doesn't harbor germs as easily as bar soap.
• Keep your fingernails short and clean. Long fingernails can harbor germs and make it more difficult to clean your hands properly.
• Wash your hands before and after using a public restroom. Public restrooms are often contaminated with germs, so it's important to wash your hands before and after using them.
• Wash your hands before and after touching your face. Your face is home to a variety of germs, so it's important to wash your hands before and after touching it.
• Teach your children how to wash their hands properly. Children need to learn how to wash their hands properly in order to stay healthy.

Conclusion

Handwashing is one of the most important things you can do to prevent the spread of germs and keep yourself and others healthy. By following the CDC's recommendations for handwashing, you can help to reduce your risk of getting sick and spreading germs to others.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is it important to wash your hands with soap and water?

Soap and water are the most effective way to remove germs from your hands. Soap helps to break down the oils that hold germs in place, while water helps to wash them away.

• What kind of soap should I use?

Any type of soap can be used for handwashing, but liquid soap is generally more hygienic than bar soap.

• How long should I wash my hands for?

The CDC recommends that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. This is enough time to remove most germs from your hands.

• What should I do if I don't have access to soap and water?

If you don't have access to soap and water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is effective at killing germs, but it is not as effective as soap and water.

• How can I teach my children to wash their hands properly?

The best way to teach your children to wash their hands properly is to show them how. You can also use songs, games, and videos to make handwashing fun for kids.