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Washing Hands Helps Prevent Spreading The Flu

It may seem simple, but handwashing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

An effective handwashing method is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among both children and adults during flu season.

Follow these four simple steps to keep hands clean and fight the spread of germs:

1. Wet your hands with warm running water.

2. Add soap, and rub your hands together, making a soapy lather. Do this away from the running water for at least 15 seconds, being careful not to wash the lather away. Wash the front and back of your hands, as well as between your fingers and under your nails.

3. Rinse your hands well under warm running water. Let the water run back into the sink, not down to your elbows. Turn off the water with a paper towel and place in the garbage.

4. Dry hands thoroughly with a clean towel.

   Wash your hands as described above frequently, especially after every trip to the bathroom.

There is more to handwashing than you think. By rubbing your hands vigorously with soapy water, you pull the dirt and the oily soils free from your skin. The soap lather suspends both the dirt and germs trapped inside and these are then quickly washed away.

Any type of soap may be used to wash hands. However, bar soap should be kept in a self-draining holder that is cleaned thoroughly before new bars are put out. Liquid soap containers should be used until empty and cleaned before refilling.

To prevent skin chapping, use a mild soap with warm water; pat rather than rub hands dry; and apply moisturizing lotion liberally and frequently.

Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is safe for children's hands, but should not be swallowed; therefore, young children should be supervised when using it. Store it safely. The alcohol content evaporates quickly, and is safe should the child touch his or her mouth or eyes.

There are some common mistakes to avoid when handwashing:

• DON'T use a single damp cloth to wash a group of children's hands.
• DON'T use a standing basin of water to rinse hands.
• DON'T use a common hand towel. Always use disposable towels in daycare or food preparation settings.
• DON'T use sponges or non-disposable cleaning cloths unless you launder them using detergent on a regular basis. Remember that germs thrive on moist surfaces.

Everyone should wash their hands before eating, after touching pets or other animals (e.g., in a petting zoo), after using the bathroom and after blowing their nose. Don't assume that children know how to wash their hands properly. They may need help to do a good job. Even though little hands may appear to be clean, there may still be germs or microorganisms that are capable of spreading disease.

Supervision is an essential element in forming good handwashing habits in children. Children learn by example. Let them observe good handwashing technique from the adults who care for them.

Source: www.newscanada.com

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