Hand-washing can help protect you from germs

Wendy LaRoche/U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine

Want to stay healthy this year? Then wash your hands.

Hand-washing is a simple act that can prevent the spread of infections and illnesses. Just 15 to 20 seconds of regular hand-washing can reduce the spread of germs that lead to the common cold, flu, diarrhea and hepatitis A.

The most common way that infections are spread is through the hands. When people sneeze or cough, they usually cover their noses or mouth with their hands. If they don’t wash their hands and then shake hands with another or touch doorknobs, the germs will be spread. Germs from viruses can remain on objects from 20 minutes up to two hours.

How often should you wash your hands? Medical guidelines suggest that you should wash your hands frequently throughout the day. The basic rule is to wash hands before and after preparing food (especially after handling uncooked meat and poultry); before eating; after coughing, sneezing or blowing one’s nose; after using the bathroom; and after changing diapers. Hand-washing is recommended whenever hands come in contact with body fluids, including vomit, saliva and runny noses.

Washing your hands with soap and water is the most common and recommended way to remove germs. To ensure that you are properly washing your hands, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following hand-washing tips:

• Wet hands with clean, running, warm water and apply soap.

• Rub hands together to make lather and scrub all surfaces.

• Continue rubbing hands for 15 to 20 seconds. Need a timer? Imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice through or singing the “Alphabet Song.”

• Rinse hands well under running water.

• Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use the paper towel to turn off the faucet.

If you don’t have access to running water, having alcohol-based hand wipes and/or gel sanitizers can also be effective at removing germs that may be on the hands. Both wipes and gel sanitizers are easy to carry around. A study conducted at the U.S Army Field Artillery Training Center, Fort Sill, Okla., showed that the training battalions that used instant hand sanitizer as part of their daily routines experienced fewer respiratory illnesses, gastrointestinal illnesses and health care encounters than the control group that did not use the IHS.

When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

• Apply product to the palm of the hand.

• Rub hands together.

• Rub the product over all surfaces of the hands and fingers until hands are dry.

Protect yourself and others by simply washing your hands as part of your normal routine; it’s the easiest way to have a healthy new year.