September 16-22 is International Clean Hands Week!
Many diseases and conditions, such as colds and flu (including H1N1) are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
If you’re wondering what you can do to keep yourself and our community healthier and more musical this year, check out these tips about hand hygiene from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Why Should I Worry About Washing My Hands?
Many diseases and conditions, including colds and flu, are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.
When Should I Wash My Hands?
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating food
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After using the toilet
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- fter touching an animal or animal waste
- After touching garbage
- After using other high-traffic common areas (practice rooms, library, bistro, computer lab)
What is the Right Way to Wash My Hands?
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
- Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Continue rubbing 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 running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
What if I don’t have soap and clean water?
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers* can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.
How do you use hand sanitizers?
- Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together.
- Rub the product over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
*Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly dirty.
SARAH VAUGHAN