The five step hand washing method

With an outbreak in viruses, colds and flus, it’s never been more important to keep your hands clean! According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, washing your hands can help prevents germs spreading from person to person.

We recommend you use this 5-step hand washing method to gain optimum defence against the nasties.

How:
1. Wet hands with clean, running water (hot or cold), turn off the tap and apply soap.
2. Lather the soap thoroughly, including in the nooks between your fingers, the backs of the hands and under your nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Don’t have a timer? Hum the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice and you’re all set.
4. Rinse hands under clean, running water.
5. Dry hands with a clean towel or air-dry them.

When:

You can help yourself and those close to you stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to contact and spread germs:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with flu or with vomiting / diarrhea bugs
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage
After touching handrails, trolleys, chairs or walls in public places

Hot tip: Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

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