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Hand washing: Do's and don'ts

How to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers — which don't require water — are an excellent alternative to soap and water. If you choose to use a commercially prepared hand sanitizer, make sure the product contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Then follow these simple steps:

  • Apply enough of the product to the palm of your hand to wet your hands completely.
  • Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces, for up to 25 seconds or until they're dry.

If your hands are visibly dirty, however, wash with soap and water. Antimicrobial wipes or towelettes are another option, although they're not as effective as alcohol-based sanitizers.

Kids need clean hands, too

Help your children stay healthy by encouraging them to wash their hands properly and frequently. Wash your hands with your children to show them how it's done. To prevent rushing, suggest washing their hands for as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice. You might place hand-washing reminders at children's eye level, such as a chart by the bathroom sink for children to mark every time they wash their hands. If your children can't reach the sink on their own, keep a stepstool handy.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are OK for children and adolescents, too, especially when soap and water isn't available. Make sure the sanitizer completely dries before your child touches anything. Store the container safely away after use.

Hand washing is especially important for children in child care settings. Young children cared for in groups outside the home are at greater risk of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases, which can easily spread to family members and other contacts. Be sure your child care provider promotes frequent hand washing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ask whether the children are required to wash their hands several times a day — not just before meals. Note, too, whether diapering areas are cleaned after each use and whether eating and diapering areas are well separated.

A simple way to stay healthy

Hand washing doesn't take much time or effort, but it offers great rewards in terms of preventing illness. Adopting this simple habit can play a major role in protecting your health.

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References
  1. An ounce of prevention keeps the germs away: Seven keys to a safer healthier home. http://www.cdc.gov/ounceofprevention/docs/oop_brochure_eng.pdf. Accessed June 26, 2009.
  2. Five moments for hand hygiene. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ps_5handHygiene.html. Accessed June 26, 2009.
  3. Hand hygiene for healthcare workers. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. http://www.apic.org/AM/AMTemplate.cfm?Section=Brochures&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentFileID=2562. Accessed June 26, 2009.
  4. Kotch JB, et al. Hand-washing and diapering equipment reduces disease among children in out-of-home child care centers. Pediatrics. 2007;120:e29.
  5. Understanding microbes in sickness and in health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/topics/microbes/PDF/microbesbook.pdf. Accessed June 26, 2009.
  6. Kinnula S, et al. Safety of alcohol hand gel use among children and personnel at a child day care center. American Journal of Infection Control. 2009;37:318.
  7. Guideline for hand hygiene in health-care settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5116.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  8. Stopping germs at home, work and school. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/materials/home_work_school.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  9. Outbreak control measure: Intensified cryptosporidiosis (crypto) control measures for the child care setting. http://www.cdc.gov/crypto/pdfs/childcare_outbreak.pdf. Accessed June 29, 2009.
  10. Aiello AE, et al. Consumer antibacterial soaps: Effective or just risky? Clinical Infectious Diseases. 2007;45:S137.

HQ00407

Oct. 16, 2009

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