How can you protect yourself and your family from illnesses. What are the key times to wash your hands. Which steps are crucial for proper hand washing. How effective is hand sanitizer compared to soap and water. What precautions should be taken with hand sanitizers.

The Importance of Hand Hygiene in Disease Prevention

Hand hygiene is a cornerstone of public health and personal well-being. By washing our hands regularly and correctly, we can significantly reduce the spread of harmful germs and protect ourselves and those around us from various illnesses. But what makes handwashing so effective, and how can we ensure we’re doing it properly?

Why is handwashing crucial?

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. It removes germs that we may have picked up from contaminated surfaces or through contact with infected individuals. By eliminating these microorganisms, we reduce the risk of transferring them to our eyes, nose, or mouth, which are common entry points for pathogens into our bodies.

Understanding Germ Transmission: How Infections Spread

To appreciate the importance of hand hygiene, it’s essential to understand how germs spread. Pathogens can transfer from person to person or from surfaces to people through various mechanisms:

• Touching your face with unwashed hands
• Handling food or drinks without proper hand hygiene
• Coming into contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
• Spreading respiratory droplets after coughing or sneezing into your hands

By interrupting these transmission routes through regular handwashing, we can significantly reduce the risk of infection.

Critical Times for Hand Hygiene: When Should You Wash?

While it’s beneficial to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, there are certain key moments when hand hygiene is particularly crucial:

1. Before, during, and after food preparation
2. Prior to eating
3. Before and after caring for someone who is ill, especially with vomiting or diarrhea
4. After using the toilet or changing diapers
5. Following nose-blowing, coughing, or sneezing
6. After handling animals, their food, or waste
7. After touching garbage

By prioritizing hand hygiene during these moments, you can significantly reduce the risk of germ transmission and protect both yourself and others.

The Five-Step Hand Washing Technique: Mastering Proper Hygiene

Effective handwashing involves more than just a quick rinse under the tap. To ensure thorough cleaning, follow these five essential steps:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands thoroughly, including the backs, between fingers, and under nails.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds – about the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dryer.

Each of these steps plays a crucial role in removing germs effectively. The lathering and scrubbing action helps lift dirt and microorganisms from the skin, while the rinsing step washes them away.

Is the temperature of the water important?

Contrary to popular belief, the temperature of the water used for handwashing doesn’t significantly affect germ removal. Both warm and cold water are equally effective when combined with proper washing technique. The key factors are the use of soap, thorough lathering, and the duration of scrubbing.

Hand Sanitizers: A Convenient Alternative in Certain Situations

While soap and water remain the gold standard for hand hygiene, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be an effective alternative when handwashing facilities are not readily available. However, it’s important to understand their limitations and proper usage.

What makes an effective hand sanitizer?

For maximum effectiveness, choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. This concentration is necessary to kill a broad spectrum of germs. You can verify the alcohol content by checking the product label.

How to use hand sanitizer correctly:

1. Apply the gel to the palm of one hand (check the label for the correct amount).
2. Rub your hands together, covering all surfaces.
3. Continue rubbing until your hands are dry, which should take about 20 seconds.

It’s important to note that while hand sanitizers are convenient, they have limitations. They may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy, and they don’t remove all types of germs or harmful chemicals like pesticides.

Common Handwashing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, many people make mistakes that can reduce the effectiveness of their hand hygiene routine. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

• Washing for too short a duration (less than 20 seconds)
• Neglecting to clean between fingers and under nails
• Using too little soap
• Failing to rinse thoroughly
• Drying hands on dirty towels or clothing
• Touching potentially contaminated surfaces immediately after washing

By being aware of these pitfalls and consciously avoiding them, you can ensure that your handwashing routine is as effective as possible in removing germs and preventing infection.

Promoting Hand Hygiene in Communities and Public Spaces

Effective hand hygiene isn’t just an individual responsibility – it’s a community effort. Public health organizations, schools, workplaces, and other institutions play a crucial role in promoting and facilitating good hand hygiene practices.

How can institutions encourage better hand hygiene?

• Provide easily accessible handwashing facilities with soap and clean water
• Install hand sanitizer stations in high-traffic areas
• Display informative posters demonstrating proper handwashing techniques
• Incorporate hand hygiene education into school curricula and workplace training
• Celebrate Global Handwashing Day (October 15th) with special events and activities

By creating an environment that supports and encourages good hand hygiene, we can collectively reduce the spread of infectious diseases and promote public health.

Hand Hygiene in Special Situations: Emergency Preparedness and Healthcare Settings

While routine hand hygiene is important in everyday life, there are certain situations where it becomes even more crucial. Let’s explore hand hygiene considerations in emergency situations and healthcare environments.

Personal hygiene during emergencies

During natural disasters or other emergencies, maintaining good hand hygiene can be challenging but is vitally important to prevent disease outbreaks. In these situations:

• Use bottled water for handwashing if clean running water is unavailable
• Keep a supply of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a backup option
• Pay extra attention to hand hygiene when preparing food or caring for the sick
• Be aware of potential contamination sources in emergency shelters or temporary housing

Hand hygiene in healthcare settings

In hospitals and other healthcare facilities, proper hand hygiene is critical for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare workers should adhere to strict hand hygiene protocols, including:

• Washing hands before and after patient contact
• Using alcohol-based hand rubs between patient interactions
• Following specific hand hygiene procedures before invasive procedures
• Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces

By maintaining rigorous hand hygiene practices, healthcare workers can significantly reduce the risk of transmitting infections between patients and protect themselves from occupational exposure to pathogens.

Innovative Approaches to Hand Hygiene: Technology and Research

As our understanding of hand hygiene evolves, so do the tools and techniques we use to promote and practice it. Researchers and innovators are continuously developing new approaches to improve hand hygiene effectiveness and compliance.

What are some emerging technologies in hand hygiene?

• Electronic monitoring systems that track handwashing compliance in healthcare settings
• Smart soap dispensers that ensure adequate soap quantity and washing duration
• UV light devices for visualizing residual germs after handwashing
• Antimicrobial coatings for high-touch surfaces to reduce contamination
• Mobile apps that provide reminders and education about proper hand hygiene

These innovations hold promise for enhancing hand hygiene practices in various settings, from hospitals to schools and public spaces. However, it’s important to remember that technology should complement, not replace, the fundamental principles of thorough handwashing with soap and water.

Ongoing research in hand hygiene

Scientists continue to investigate various aspects of hand hygiene to improve our understanding and practices. Some areas of current research include:

• The impact of hand hygiene on antibiotic resistance
• Developing more effective and eco-friendly hand sanitizer formulations
• Studying behavioral interventions to improve hand hygiene compliance
• Investigating the role of hand hygiene in preventing specific diseases
• Exploring the microbiome of hands and its implications for health

As this research progresses, we can expect to see continued refinements in hand hygiene recommendations and practices, further enhancing our ability to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Cultural Perspectives on Hand Hygiene: Global Practices and Challenges

Hand hygiene practices and perceptions can vary significantly across different cultures and regions of the world. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective global health strategies and promoting universal hand hygiene adoption.

How do hand hygiene practices differ around the world?

Cultural norms, religious beliefs, and local resources all play a role in shaping hand hygiene practices. For example:

• In some cultures, handwashing is an important ritual before prayer or meals
• Certain regions may rely more heavily on traditional cleansing agents like ash or sand
• The use of the left hand for hygiene purposes is taboo in some societies
• Access to clean water and soap can vary greatly between urban and rural areas

Public health initiatives must take these cultural factors into account when designing and implementing hand hygiene programs.

Overcoming barriers to global hand hygiene

Promoting universal hand hygiene faces several challenges on a global scale:

• Limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities in some regions
• Economic barriers to purchasing soap and hand sanitizers
• Lack of education about germ theory and disease transmission
• Ingrained habits and cultural practices that may conflict with optimal hygiene
• Insufficient infrastructure for hand hygiene in schools and public spaces

Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including infrastructure development, education initiatives, and culturally sensitive interventions. By working to overcome these barriers, we can move closer to a world where effective hand hygiene is universally practiced and accessible.

The Future of Hand Hygiene: Trends and Predictions

As we look to the future, hand hygiene is likely to remain a critical aspect of public health. However, the ways we approach and practice it may evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities.

What trends might shape the future of hand hygiene?

• Increased focus on sustainability in hand hygiene products and practices
• Integration of hand hygiene into smart home and wearable technologies
• Development of longer-lasting hand sanitizers and protective coatings
• Greater emphasis on hand hygiene in urban planning and building design
• Personalized hand hygiene recommendations based on individual risk factors

These trends could lead to more effective, convenient, and environmentally friendly hand hygiene practices in the coming years.

Preparing for future pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of hand hygiene in preventing disease spread. As we prepare for potential future pandemics, hand hygiene is likely to play an even more prominent role in public health strategies. This may involve:

• Enhanced hand hygiene protocols in public spaces and transportation
• Increased integration of hand hygiene education in school curricula
• Development of rapid-response hand hygiene strategies for outbreak scenarios
• Greater investment in hand hygiene research and innovation
• Improved global coordination on hand hygiene initiatives and standards

By continuing to prioritize and innovate in hand hygiene, we can build a more resilient global community better prepared to face future health challenges.

When and How to Wash Your Hands | Handwashing

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1. Cuándo y cómo lavarse las manos
2. اپنے ہاتھوں کو کب اور کیسے دھوئیں
3. 何时以及如何洗手
4. Quando e como lavar as suas mãos
5. কখন এবং কীভাবে আপনার হাত ধোবেন
6. متى وكيف تغسل يديك
7. Quand et comment se laver les mains

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

How Germs Spread

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people when you:

• Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
• Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them
• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

Key Times to Wash Hands

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

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• 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 waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can help stop germs from spreading from one person to another and in our communities—including your home, workplace, schools, and childcare facilities.

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can’t Use Soap and Water

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.

Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

• Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.
• Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals like pesticides from hands.

Caution! Swallowing alcohol-based hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning if more than a couple of mouthfuls are swallowed. Keep it out of reach of young children and supervise their use.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer

1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).
2. Cover all surfaces of hands.
3. Rub your hands and fingers together until they are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

CDC’s Communication Materials

CDC has health promotion materials to encourage kids and adults to make handwashing part of their everyday lives.

• Share social media graphics and messages.
• Print stickers and place clings on bathroom mirrors.
• Promote handwashing on or around Global Handwashing Day, celebrated each year on October 15.
• Distribute fact sheets to share information about hand hygiene for specific audiences.
• Order free posters and display them in highly visible public areas, such as school bathrooms,
  work areas, and public restrooms.

For more information on handwashing, visit CDC’s Handwashing website or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

• Frequent Questions About Hand Hygiene
• Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
• Training and Education
• Global Handwashing Day
• Personal Hygiene During an Emergency

Frequent Questions About Hand Hygiene | Handwashing

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Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Get answers to frequently asked questions about washing your hands and using hand sanitizer in community settings. For recommendations about hand hygiene for healthcare providers, visit CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings website.

• Handwashing Steps
• Soap
• Water and Handwashing
• Drying Hands
• Germs and Bathrooms

• Key Times to Wash
• Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
• Hand Hygiene and Antibiotic Resistance
• Hand Hygiene and Healthcare Settings
• Encouraging Handwashing in Community Settings

Do I really need to wash my hands for 20 seconds?

Scientific studies show that you need to scrub for 20 seconds to remove harmful germs and chemicals from your hands. If you wash for a shorter time, you will not remove as many germs. Make sure to scrub all areas of your hands, including your palms, backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your fingernails.

How does handwashing with soap and water remove germs and chemicals?

Soap and water, worked into a lather, trap and remove germs and chemicals from hands. Wetting your hands with clean water before applying soap helps you get a better lather than applying soap to dry hands. A good lather forms pockets called micelles that trap and remove germs, harmful chemicals, and dirt from your hands.

Lathering with soap and scrubbing your hands for 20 seconds is important to this process because these actions physically destroy germs and remove germs and chemicals from your skin. When you rinse your hands, you wash the germs and chemicals down the drain.

Should I use a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing my hands?

CDC recommends turning off the faucet after wetting your hands to reduce water use. Then, turn it on again after you have washed them for 20 seconds, to rinse off the soap. If you are concerned about getting germs on your hands after you wash them, you can use a paper towel, your elbow, or another hands-free way to turn off the faucet.

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Use plain soap in either bar or liquid form to wash your hands.

Is antibacterial soap better than plain soap?

Use plain soap and water to wash your hands. Studies have not found any added health benefit from using antibacterial soap, other than for professionals in healthcare settings. In 2016, FDA banned over-the-counter sale of antibacterial soaps that contain certain ingredients because these soaps are no better than plain soap at preventing people from getting sick and their ingredients may not be safe for long-term, daily use. Some studies have shown that using antibacterial soap may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Is bar soap better than liquid soap?

Both bar and liquid soap work well to remove germs. Use plain soap in either bar or liquid form to wash your hands.

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Use clean, running water to wash your hands.

What if I have water but no soap to wash my hands?

If you don’t have soap and water, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. If you don’t have hand sanitizer or soap, but do have water, rub your hands together under the water and dry them with a clean towel or air dry. Rubbing your hands under water will rinse some germs from your hands, even though it’s not as effective as washing with soap.

Is it better to use warm water or cold water?

Use your preferred water temperature – cold or warm – to wash your hands. Warm and cold water remove the same number of germs from your hands. The water helps create soap lather that removes germs from your skin when you wash your hands. Water itself does not usually kill germs; to kill germs, water would need to be hot enough to scald your hands.

What if the water is dirty or contaminated?

Your hands can get germs on them if you place them in water that looks dirty, is contaminated (for example, during an emergency), or has germs in it from previous use, such as a basin with water used for bathing. That’s why CDC recommends using clean, running water to wash your hands. If you don’t have access to clean, running water, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol to get rid of germs.

If you don’t have clean, running water or hand sanitizer, you can still remove germs from your hands by washing with clear water. You can also make water safe to use by boiling, adding the proper amount of disinfectant such as a mild bleach solution, or filtering it. Use the cleanest water possible to wash your hands. Avoid using cloudy water or water that may be contaminated with harmful chemicals or toxins, such as toxins made by harmful algal blooms.

If my utility has issued a Boil Water Advisory, can I still use tap water to wash my hands?

In most cases, it is safe to wash your hands with soap and tap water during a Boil Water Advisory. Follow the guidance from your local public health officials or water utility. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.

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Use a clean towel or air dry your hands after washing them.

Should I dry my hands using a paper towel or an air dryer?

There is currently not enough scientific evidence to determine if using a clean towel or an air hand dryer to dry your hands is more effective at reducing germs on your hands. Both are effective ways to dry your hands. Germs spread more easily when hands are wet, so make sure to dry your hands completely, whatever method you use.

Should I reuse a towel to dry my hands at home?

CDC recommends using a clean towel if you are using a towel to dry your hands. Reusable towels are a practical option at home. They should be changed when visibly dirty and before they develop mildew from remaining damp.

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Will touching bathroom door handles make my hands dirty again after I wash them?

Scientists don’t know if you would get a significant number of germs on your hands from touching a bathroom door handle. That’s because it has not been specifically studied. If you’re concerned about getting germs on your hands after you wash them, you can use a paper towel, your elbow, shirt, or another hands-free way to open the door.

Should I wash my hands after using the bathroom at home?

CDC recommends always washing your hands after you use the toilet, whether it is in your home or somewhere else. Germs in feces (poop) can make you sick. These germs can get on your hands after you use the toilet or change a diaper. If you don’t wash them off, you can pass them from person to person and make people sick. Make a habit of washing your hands after you use the toilet every time to reduce your chance of getting sick and spreading germs.

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You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during key times when you are likely to be exposed to, and spread, germs.

What are the key times to wash hands?

These are CDC’s key times you should wash your hands:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage
• If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, you should immediately clean your hands by either washing them with soap and water or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

Find more information about when and how to use hand sanitizer.

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Soap and water remove certain germs that hand sanitizers don’t kill, including germs that cause diarrhea such as norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile.

Soap and water also remove harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals.

Which is better, hand sanitizer or handwashing?

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to remove all types of germs and chemicals. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

See CDC’s recommendations on when to use hand sanitizers and when to wash your hands.

How do hand sanitizers work differently than handwashing?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work by killing germs on your hands, while washing your hands with soap and water removes germs from your hands. Handwashing will remove all types of germs from your hands, but hand sanitizers are not able to kill all types of germs or remove harmful chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals.

Do wipes remove germs?

Hand sanitizing wipes with at least 60% alcohol kill germs on your hands.

Baby wipes are not designed to remove germs from your hands, and CDC does not recommend using them to clean your hands. They may make your hands look clean, but baby wipes and similar products that do not have at least 60% alcohol do not reliably remove germs from your hands.

Disinfecting wipes are designed to kill germs on surfaces. Do not use disinfecting wipes to clean your skin because they may cause irritation. Always read and follow the directions on the label to use these products safely.

What if I have a hand sanitizer that has no alcohol?

Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol have been shown to be effective against a wider range of germs than hand sanitizers that do not contain alcohol, including those that contain active ingredients such as benzalkonium chloride (BZK). CDC recommends the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available for handwashing.

What is the difference between CDC guidelines and FDA regulations for hand sanitizer use?

Hand sanitizer is regulated as an over-the-counter drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA regulates the production and manufacture of hand sanitizing products and determines which ingredients are allowed to be used in them. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) develops recommendations about hand hygiene to prevent the spread of diseases in both community and healthcare settings, based on peer-reviewed data and scientific studies.

Should I make my own hand sanitizer?

CDC does not regulate hand sanitizer production. However, CDC does not recommend producing, using, or selling homemade hand sanitizer products because of concerns over the correct use of the ingredients and the need to work under sterile conditions to make the product. Handwashing with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations.

FDA reports that if made incorrectly, hand sanitizer can be ineffective or harmful. There have been accounts of skin burns from homemade hand sanitizers and serious health problems caused by hand sanitizers contaminated with methanol . To be effective at killing some types of germs, hand sanitizers need to have a strength of at least 60% alcohol and be used when hands are not visibly dirty or greasy. Do not rely on “do-it-yourself” (or “DIY”) hand sanitizer recipes based solely on essential oils or formulated without correct compounding practices.

Find more information about hand sanitizers and COVID-19 on the Food and Drug Administration’s FAQ page.

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How does hand hygiene fight antibiotic resistance?

Hand hygiene helps stop the spread of germs, including ones that can cause antibiotic-resistant infections. Antibiotic resistance happens when germs like bacteria and fungi develop the ability to defeat the drugs designed to kill them. That means the germs are not killed and continue to grow. Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs are difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat. Keeping your hands clean by washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer is one of the best ways to prevent germs from spreading and avoid infections.

Do hand sanitizers contribute to antibiotic resistance?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not contribute to antibiotic resistance. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers kill germs, including antibiotic-resistant germs, by destroying the proteins and breaking down the protective outer membrane that germs need to survive.

Does washing hands with soap and water contribute to antibiotic resistance?

Plain soap (soap without antibacterial ingredients) does not contribute to antibiotic resistance. Some studies have shown that using antibacterial soap may contribute to antibiotic resistance. In fact, FDA banned over-the-counter sale of antibacterial soaps that contain certain ingredients because these soaps are no better than plain soap at preventing people from getting sick, and their ingredients may not be safe for long-term, daily use. Washing your hands with plain soap and water removes germs, including antibiotic-resistant germs. Keeping your hands clean can prevent the spread of germs, reducing the risk for antibiotic-resistant infections.

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What method of hand hygiene is recommended for healthcare workers?

CDC recommends the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers as the primary method for hand hygiene in most healthcare situations. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively reduce the number of germs that may be on the hands of healthcare workers. Healthcare personnel often clean their hands more than 7 times in an hour. Some germs can be difficult to remove with soap and water and scrubbing can damage their skin. Healthcare personnel should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water when hands are visibly dirty, before eating, after using the restroom, and after caring for people with infectious diarrhea during outbreaks. For more information, visit Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

Why are hand hygiene recommendations different in healthcare settings than in community settings?

Hand hygiene recommendations depend on the types of germs on your hands, whether your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, and where you are.

For healthcare settings, CDC recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizer unless hands are visibly dirty.

In community settings, CDC recommends washing hands with soap and water because handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs and chemicals on your hands, including when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. If soap and water are not readily available, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can help protect you from getting sick from germs.

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What supplies do I need for handwashing?

Ensure you have easily accessible sinks; clean, running water; soap; and a way to dry hands, such as paper towels or a hand dryer.

How can I encourage handwashing among my employees?

Remind employees to wash their hands often with soap and water and provide accessible sinks, soap, water, and a way to dry their hands (e. g., paper towels, hand dryer). Put visual reminders, like signs or posters, in bathrooms or kitchen areas to remind employees to wash their hands. Provide other hygiene supplies such as tissues, no-touch/foot pedal trash cans, and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to keep your employees healthy.

Does CDC regulate handwashing in community settings?

No. CDC is not a regulatory agency, and therefore does not enforce compliance with handwashing recommendations. CDC has developed guidance on when and how to properly wash hands in community settings and when and how to clean hands in healthcare settings.  

Your state or local health department may have handwashing requirements included in their health codes.

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  • Mission and strategy
  • Digital Pulpit
  • Competitions for students
  • Reporting
  • Media publications
  • Development Program
  • Scientific seminars for students and scientists of BSMU
  • News

Department of Health of the Vologda Oblast