Quick Guide to National Handwashing Awareness Week
National Handwashing Awareness Week is observed during the first full week of December. It highlights the critical importance of handwashing with soap and clean water to prevent the spread of illness, especially during the cold and flu season.
Why Handwashing is Crucial
Handwashing is often called a “do-it-yourself vaccine” because it is the most effective way to prevent the transmission of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
- It helps reduce rates of diarrhea and respiratory infections like the common cold, flu, and COVID-19.
- In healthcare settings, it’s vital for fighting the spread of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance.
The 5 Steps for Effective Handwashing
Don’t just rinse! Effective handwashing requires the combination of soap, friction, and duration. Follow these five steps:
- Wet: Wet your hands with clean, running water and apply soap.
- Lather: Rub hands together to create a lather, making sure to scrub the back of your hands, between fingers, and under nails.
- Scrub: Scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds (the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice).
- Rinse: Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry: Dry your hands using a clean towel or air-dry them.
Key Times to Wash
To stop the spread of germs, remember to wash your hands:
- Before eating or preparing food.
- Before and after treating a wound or caring for someone who is sick.
- After using the toilet or changing a diaper.
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- After touching pets, animals, or garbage.
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