Alternate copy: handwashing

Hand Washing Prevents Swine Flu H1N1 Infection
Washing Hands Stops the Spread of Influenza A H1N1 of Swine Origin

© Dr. Vandana Bhide, 2009
Liquid soap is preferred
Handwashing is the single most important measure to prevent the spread of infections, including swine flu. 15-20 seconds of hand washing is recommended to remove germs.

Good Hand washing is one of the most important infection control measures to prevent the spread of swine flu H1N1. Alcohol based gels also kill influenza viruses. Most people do not wash their hands as thoroughly as needed to prevent the spread of infection.

Proper Hand Washing Technique

First, rinse hands with water. Then use a good amount of soap and rub hands together to form a lather. Next rub the dorsum (top) of each hand with the palm of the opposite hand. With fingers palm side together, spread the fingers apart and interlock them, rubbing them against each other. Then make sure that every part of each individual finger, including regions between the fingers (interdigital) is cleaned. The thumb, which is a commonly missed area, should be washed. The fingertips are also commonly missed during hand washing.

Since bacteria hide under nails, it is important to wash the nails. A nail brush, often used by surgeons performing a surgical scrub, can help remove the dirt that accumulates under fingernails. Alternatively, the nails on one hand can be used to remove the dirt under the fingernails of the other hand. Then the fingernails of one hand can be rubbed against the palm of the other hand to clean the fingernails.

Each wrist should be lathered and rubbed as well.
Sing Happy Birthday Twice to Yourself
The hands and wrist should be rubbed with soap to a lather for at least 20 seconds. Singing the "Happy Birthday" song twice will roughly approximate the amount of time required to adequately wash hands. The hands should be rinsed thoroughly with clean water. Ideally, warm water is used to wash and rinse hands.