Hand Washing: Your Best Defense Against Germs

Germs spread easily from hands to surfaces and other people. Washing your hands correctly can prevent infections like colds, flu, and stomach illnesses.

When to Wash Your Hands:

🧼 Before eating or preparing food
🧼 After using the bathroom
🧼 After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
🧼 After being in public places or touching shared surfaces
🧼 After caring for someone who is sick

How to Wash Your Hands Properly:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.
  2. Lather with soap, scrubbing all areas (palms, backs of hands, between fingers, under nails).
  3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice!).
  4. Rinse under clean running water.
  5. Dry using a clean towel or air dry.

No Soap? Use Hand Sanitizer!

🖐 Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
🖐 Rub hands together until dried do not wipe off before it dries completely.

Stay Healthy, Protect Others

These simple steps help prevent illness and protect your family, coworkers, and community. Let’s work together to stop the spread of germs!


Helpful Resources