HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS

Hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Know when and how to wash your hands to stay healthy.

How microbes spread

Hand washing can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from person to person. Germs can be spread from person to person or from surfaces when you:

He touches his eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Prepare or consume food or drinks with unwashed hands.

Touch a contaminated surface or object.

Blows nose or covers nose and mouth with hands when coughing or sneezing and then touching another person’s hands or touching common objects.

Key moments to wash your hands

You can help keep yourself and your loved ones healthy by washing your hands often, especially during the following key times when you are most likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during and after preparing food

Before and after eating something

Before and after caring for someone in your home who has vomiting or diarrhea

Before and after treating a cut or wound

After going to the bathroom

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal droppings

After handling pet food or treats

After touching the garbage