Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and flu. Watch this video to find out the best way to wash your hands. Media last reviewed: 30 March 2020 You should wash your
hands for the amount of time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (around 20 seconds): If you do not have immediate access to soap and water then use alcohol-based handrub if available. When should you wash your hands?You should wash your hands:
Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea. It can help stop people picking up infections and spreading them to others. It can also help stop spreading infections when you're visiting someone in hospital or another healthcare setting. Page last reviewed: 18 October 2019 When should soap and water be used for hand hygiene?For healthcare settings, CDC recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizer unless hands are visibly dirty. In community settings, CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on your hands, including when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
What are 5 reasons you should wash your hands?Wash your hands:. After arriving.. After coughing or blowing your nose.. Before making or eating food.. After playing with animals.. After using the toilet.. After playing outdoors.. Before and after changing contact lenses.. What are the four main times your hands should be washed?You should wash your hands:. after using the toilet or changing a nappy.. before and after handling raw foods like meat and vegetables.. before eating or handling food.. after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.. before and after treating a cut or wound.. When should you wash your hands in the health care setting?When washing hands, healthcare workers should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty, before eating, after using the restroom, and after caring for people with infectious diarrhea.
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