Seemingly trivial, though in today’s climate with the COVID-19 pandemic claiming over 213,000 deaths, the act of proper hand-washing is more important than ever! With proper hand-washing habits and techniques, you could potentially prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus and save lives.
How To Wash
Proper hand-washing is the simplest practice people can do to prevent the spread of germs throughout an entire community. In order to prevent the spread of disease, the CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. Here are the steps:
- First, wet your hands with running water. The water could either be warm or cold. The temperature of the water does not matter.
- Second, apply anti-bacterial soap to your hands and lather. Remember to soap up your wrists and forearms first, and work your way down to the back of your hands, in between your fingers, and in your finger nails.
- Third, wash for at least 20 seconds. Sing the “Happy Birthday” song!
- After you wash for 20 seconds, rinse under running water, thoroughly.
- Finally, dry your hands with a clean towel.
What To Use
Soap and water are all you need to properly wash your hands. Try an anti-bacterial hand soap and running sink water. The water temperature doesn’t have an impact on the end result.
When to Wash
It’s not only important to wash your hands after you do anything but also before as well.
Wash Your Hands Before…
– you prepare food or eat.
– you treat a cut.
– you touch your face or mouth.
– you use the restroom.
– you leave the house and interact with others.
– you touch/put on/remove your face mask.
Wash Your Hands After…
– you treat a cut.
– you care for someone who is ill.
– you have gone out and interacted with others.
– you use the restroom.
– you touch/feed pets.
– you handle trash.
– you touch/put on/remove your face mask.
-you touch your face.
Techniques
Most of us aren’t accustomed to employing these hand-washing techniques. But drastic times call for better hand-washing!
– Remember to wash the back of your hands, up your wrists and forearms.
– Remember to wash in between your fingers.
– Remember to wash underneath your fingernails.
– Lather for 20 seconds before rinsing.
Hand-Washing Supplements
No other hand-cleaning substitutes are as effective than using soap and water. Soap and water kills all germs. Hand sanitizers work for killing germs but they don’t necessarily kill all the germs.
Though, sometimes it’s difficult to find a hand-washing station. Particularly if you’re on the road. The best substitute is using a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. It’s a good way to kill most germs in a jiff. Though, remember to wash your hands as soon as you can afterwards!
Keep in mind: sanitizers don’t remove harmful chemicals or pesticides from your skin.
Common-Sense Practice
If you are overwhelmed with best practices for preventing the spread of the coronavirus, just remember, the best rule of thumb is to use common sense. If you’re out of your home and touching things, you need to wash your hands before you eat or touch your face. Simple as that!
If you have specific questions regarding hand-washing or concerns regarding the coronavirus, please call us! With our COVID-19 safety measures in place, we’d be glad to help you over the phone or even help you to make an in-person appointment.
Personalized, Compassionate and Extraordinary Care
Concierge Medicine of Jupiter
2151 South Alt A1A | Suite 950 | Jupiter, FL 33477
P: (561) 743 – 2239