Proper hand-washing does more than keep your hands looking clean and fresh; washing hands can keep you and your family healthy by helping prevent illness and mitigate the spread of viruses throughout your household and the community. Midwest Express Clinic encourages everyone to make proper hand-washing a consistent habit, especially during the winter season when the common cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses are peaking. You can stay healthy by washing your hands at key times, especially before eating, after using the restroom, and after coughing or sneezing. Read on to learn more about the significance of healthy hand hygiene and discover the ways you can improve your hand-washing habits.
Why Healthy Hand Hygiene Matters to Prevent the Spread
Practicing proper hand hygiene helps prevent illness by stopping germs before they reach your nose, eyes or mouth, which are the main pathways for infection. Regularly washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds significantly reduces the presence of germs that can lead to stomach bugs, respiratory illnesses and other seasonal diseases. During peak cold, flu and stomach-virus seasons, frequent hand-washing is one of the most effective methods for protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to get rid of germs in most situations. While alcohol-based sanitizers are a solid alternative if you’re on the go, they may not completely eliminate certain pathogens, including norovirus.
Hand hygiene limits the spread of germs on high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops and light switches while also reducing your risk of getting sick after spending time in public spaces such as grocery stores, shopping malls and restaurants. Unwashed hands can easily spread germs to others and to yourself when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.
By practicing healthy hand hygiene, you can help keep your household healthier, prevent the spread of germs, and reduce the number of sick days caused by avoidable infections.
Key Times to Wash Your Hands
Knowing when to wash your hands is just as important as knowing how. Practicing hand hygiene at key times throughout the day is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and protect yourself from respiratory and diarrheal infections. Make it a habit to wash your hands with soap and water before and after preparing food, especially when handling pet food or treats, as these can be sources of contamination. Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and before you eat food or drink beverages.
It’s also important to wash your hands after touching surfaces or objects that are frequently handled by others, such as doorknobs, light switches, or bathroom mirrors, since germs can easily transfer from person to person or from surfaces. If you’re caring for someone who is ill, or after handling animal waste, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
When washing your hands, use soap and water and make sure to apply soap to all areas, between your fingers, under your nails, and the backs of your hands. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Remember to wash for at least 20 seconds, humming the “happy birthday” song twice from beginning to end is a great way to time yourself. After washing, dry your hands with a clean towel to avoid recontamination.
Healthcare workers should be especially vigilant about hand hygiene to protect both themselves and their patients. Encourage kids and adults alike to wash their hands regularly during these key times to build strong habits and help prevent the spread of germs in your home, workplace, and community.
Healthy Hand-Washing Habits with Soap and Water
Following the correct handwashing steps is essential to ensure your hands are properly cleaned and to prevent the spread of germs. To get the most out of your routine hand-washing, it’s recommended to follow these proper hand-washing techniques:
- Wet hands with warm running water before applying soap.
- Apply soap and lather your hands thoroughly, including the backs of your hands, under fingernails and between fingers. Handwashing with soap is especially important when your hands are visibly soiled or after contact with certain pathogens.
- Scrub for at least 20 seconds. Hum the happy birthday song twice to time yourself and ensure thorough cleaning.
- Rinse your hands and dry them completely with a clean towel or air dryer.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content only when soap and water are not available.
By following these handwashing steps and using the proper technique, you can properly wash your hands and effectively remove germs.
In addition to washing your hands after using the restroom and being in public places, it’s also important to wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after coughing or sneezing, and after caring for someone who is ill. Consistency in your hand hygiene habits is key in reducing germ transmission and supporting your overall wellness.
General Wellness Support at Midwest Express Clinic
Even if you routinely practice healthy hand hygiene habits, illness can still occur. Midwest Express Clinic offers comprehensive walk-in care to support you and your family all year long. Midwest Express Clinic provides thorough evaluation and treatment options for common illnesses such as colds, flu, sore throat and stomach bugs, as well as preventive services such as immunizations, lab testing and health screenings. With over 50 convenient locations open daily across Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Midwest Express Clinic makes it easy to access the quality care you need when you need it most.
Practice Healthy Hand Hygiene This Winter and Beyond
Proper hand-washing habits remain one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect both your health and the health of your loved ones. By combining consistent hand-washing habits with the comprehensive urgent and everyday care services available at Midwest Express Clinic, you can better safeguard your health this winter season and beyond.
To find a clinic in your area, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
