Nobody likes getting sick, especially during the holidays. One way to avoid catching a bah-humbug? Practice proper handwashing.The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that one of the best ways to combat the COVID-19 is to make sure you are washing and disinfecting your hands properly. Below are a few tips to remember when it comes to washing your hands and keeping both you and your family healthy.
# It is important that you wash your hands thoroughly. This means you must wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Kids ask a lot of questions about why they have to wash their hands, so explain the reasons often and you can also find videos that teach children how to wash their hands.
Steps to Handwashing from the CDC- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
# The key is to stop the spread of COVID-19, so If you do not have access to soap and water use and alcohol-based hand-sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. It is important to remember that washing your hands is still the best way to get rid of germs so do not replace your normal hand washing routine with using hand sanitizer.
# Make sure you wash your hands before you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread through these orifices. Make an effort to avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, if you have not properly washed your hands. This will be harder for kids to remember so make sure you remind them! The Global Handwashing Partnership created a Wash Coronavirus Away flyer you can post in your kitchen to help your family remember.
# When to turn to hand sanitizerUsing soap and water is the best way to clean your hands. But it's not always easy to get to a sink—like while you're out doing your holiday shopping. In those cases, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, or hand gel. Keep some in your purse or your car's glovebox.
When buying a hand sanitizer, check the product label to make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol. It takes that amount of alcohol to help kill germs. Put some of the gel on your hands and rub them together until they're dry, which should also take about 20 seconds.