Handwashing: Like a do-it-yourself Vaccine
Source/Author: Marie Confident, Shorecrest school nurse
December 03, 2015
Hand washing is so basic, yet this simple task can be the key to preventing and spreading illnesses. Each time our hands touch something, they become contaminated with whatever germs are present on that particular object (door knob, car door, cell phone, book bag, someone else’s hand, tables, toys, etc). Touching the face, mouth, nose or eyes can introduce germs to the body causing GI, respiratory or eye infections.
Though hand sanitizers are convenient and good in preventing the spread of germs, the following situations require the use of hand washing:
- before eating food
- before, during and after handling food
- before and after caring for someone who is sick
- before and after treating a cut or wound
- after using the toilet
- after any contact with bodily fluids or feces such as changing diapers
- after touching animals, animal feed or animal waste
- when hands are visibly dirty
To wash your hands thoroughly, wet hands with running water, apply soap, rub hands together until a lather is made, scrub back of hands, between fingers and under the nails. Remember your thumbs too! Do this for 20 seconds, the time it takes to hum the “Happy birthday” song twice. Rinse well, air dry hands or dry with a clean towel or a paper towel. I out in public, use the same paper towel to turn the faucet off, then discard.
December 6-12 is National Handwashing Awareness Week. Let it be the healthiest week ever by washing our hands and reminding everyone around us to do the same.
Until next time, remain healthy!
Marie Confident, RN, BSN
Shorecrest School Nurse
