Guest post by Danielle Jardine, MD
National Handwashing Awareness Week is December 7-13. Make sure you are washing your hands the right way to prevent the spread of cold and flu this season.
When you see that sign in the restroom with instructions on how to wash your hands, you can’t help but roll your eyes, right? It’s OK to admit it. We all know the best way to wash our hands and how important this simple act is to helping us stay healthy and avoid disease. At least that’s what many people think.
But are you really washing properly? Do you know why you are doing it? What is the recommended amount of time? What’s better: hand washing or hand sanitizer? Take a moment to answer the following questions to see if you have all the information necessary to take your health into your own hands this cold and flu season…your clean hands that is.
Handwashing: what is the best way to wash your hands?
Did you know that a third of Americans don’t wash their hands after using the restroom? Rule number one: wash your hands frequently, and always after using the restroom. Rub your entire hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. This includes the backs of your hands and between your fingers. If there’s a hand towel available, grab one. The good thing about drying your hands with a clean towel is that you can use the towel to turn off the faucet.
What is the best way to reduce germs?
As simple as it may sound, it still holds true. Washing our hands frequently is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick during flu season and throughout the year. It’s also one of the most important steps we can take to keep from spreading germs from one person to another and throughout an entire community. All of the bacteria, viruses and other microbes that we touch on people, surfaces and objects throughout the day accumulate on our hands. When we touch our eyes, nose, or mouth, we end up infecting ourselves with these germs. Washing our hands frequently can seriously limit the transfer of germs.
Soap vs. Hand Sanitizer
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. It doesn’t have to be antibacterial soap, either; any soap will work. As it turns out, antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than regular soap. Your next best choice after soap and water is an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers, while effective at eliminating some germs, do not completely eliminate all germs, especially if hands are visibly dirty. They are most effective when rubbed over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until hands are totally dry.
Your healthcare providers are here to help you with any questions or to discuss additional ways to keep you focused on healthy living this cold and flu season.
Call 866.804.1007 to find a doctor who is right for you.