Wednesday, 13 December 2006 00:44

Amador County Public Health: Wash Your Hands

hand_washingThe Amador County Public Health Department is sending a video message trying to help you stay that way- healthy, this holiday season. Because person-to-person spread can play a significant role in the spread of some illnesses, hand hygiene is a critical element of any outbreak prevention and control strategy.  During outbreaks of flu, and as a preventative measure, everyone is advised and reminded to wash their hands frequently to prevent the propagation of the illness.

slide22The steps to proper hand washing... Hands should be washed using soap and warm, running water with hands being rubbed vigorously together during washing for at least 20 seconds. Pay special attention paid to the backs of the hands, wrists, between the fingers and under the fingernails. Hands should be rinsed well while leaving the water running. With the water running, hands should be dried with a single-use towel. Turn off the water using a paper towel, covering washed hands to prevent re-contamination.

Hands should be washed after the following activities: After touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed portions of arms. After using the toilet. After coughing, sneezing, using a handkerchief or disposable tissue, using tobacco, eating or drinking. After handling soiled equipment or utensils. After food preparation, as often as necessary to remove soil and contamination and to prevent cross-contamination when changing tasks. After switching between working with raw food and working with ready-to-eat food. After engaging in other activities that contaminate the hands.