Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, the flu and other viruses and germs. Even as the COVID-19 vaccine becomes more available, it’s important to protect our health one handwash at a time.
Proper handwashing habits are essential for controlling infection and the spread of disease. Our hands carry all kinds of things we can’t see.
In the case of communicable diseases like influenza and COVID-19, it’s the transient micro-organisms we’re concerned about. These organisms represent recent contamination and survive for limited periods of time. They’re responsible for cross infection, readily passing from one person to another upon contact.
The positive news is we can stop these organisms with a good handwash. What’s a good handwash? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains good handwashing as:
- Lathering your hands by rubbing them together with soap, making sure to lather the backs of your hands as well as between your fingers and under your nails.
- Scrubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds, that’s about as long as singing “Happy Birthday” twice.
Remember, good hand hygiene is a simple yet very effective way to fight COVID-19, the flu and other viruses and germs. And, remind your children that they can help stay healthy one handwash at a time.
Submitted by Yavapai Regional Medical Center