Hand Washing Reduces Cold & Flu
Cooler changing weather brings sickness. Don't let the cold and flu season get you down. Even though these illnesses are easily passed from person to person, you can help prevent passing them to others and reduce your risk of catching them by simply washing your hands! The CDC recommends these 5 steps for proper hand-washing. Let's take a look and see how to wash our hands the right way and reduce our chances of catching the common cold or flu.
5 Steps to proper hand-washing help reduce sickness
1. WET YOUR HANDS -
It is important to use clean water to wet your hands. The temperature of the water doesn't really make a difference for effectiveness but most people like warm water when available. Make sure to get all of your skin wet and then turn off the faucet and apply soap.
2. LATHER YOUR HANDS -
Many people quickly rub their hands together while the water is running. This causes the soap to quickly run off before you have had a chance to thoroughly clean your skin. With the water off apply the soap and rub your hands together until the bubbles begin to build up. This "lathering" is a sign you are doing a good job. Be sure to scrub every part of your hands including both front and back, under your nails, and between your fingers.
3. SCRUB YOUR HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS -
Simply applying water and soap isn't enough. It is important you scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to remove dirt, bacteria, or any germs that could be transmitted. Count to 20 or hum the happy birthday song twice before you begin to rinse.
4. RINSE YOUR HANDS -
Turn the tap back on and rinse your hands well under clean running water. Be sure to rinse off all of the soap residue under your nails and from every part of your hands. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. DRY YOUR HANDS USING A CLEAN TOWEL -
If in a public place, be sure to get your paper towel before turning off the faucet. Germs are all over bathroom fixtures. Reach for the towel, dry your hands thoroughly, and then use the towel to turn off the faucet. Use that same towel to open the bathroom door. The door is another germ-filled object. The wastebasket should be positioned near the door where you can discard your towel after opening the door with it.
If you are in a public restroom that doesn't have paper products but uses an electric hand dryer, grab some toilet paper to touch fixtures or door handles.
If there is no running water, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Practicing proper hand-washing is essential to public health and will help reduce your chances of transmitting or catching one of these common cold-weather illnesses.
MFASCO Hand-Washing & Sanitation Resources:
Maintaining safe and sanitary environments work environments is essential for any operating business and organization. Taking proper care of your employees includes providing hand protection when their job requires a sterile work environment. Especially when they are working with sensitive, dangerous, and dirty materials.
Here are a few of MFASCO's Hand-Washing & Sanitation Resources:
Hand Protection Products & Accessories
Work Skin Care Products
Work Glove Products
Medical Glove Products
Additional Resources for Hand Protection & Supplies
Skin & Hand Protection Basics
Dry Cracked Hands - Winter Strikes Again
A Guide to Workplace Hand Protection
