Hastings and Prince Edward Counties Health Unit

Germs can be found almost anywhere and some can live for a long time on hard surfaces like doorknobs, tables, phones, keyboards and shopping cart handles. Hands spread an estimated 80% of common infectious diseases like the common cold and flu.

Hand hygiene is a term that refers to removing or killing germs on the hands. This is done in one of two ways:

1. Wash your hands with soap and water

Or

2. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Proper hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections and reduce your chance of becoming ill.

When to Clean Your Hands.

Before and After:
- touching other people,
- preparing or eating food,
- touching a cut or open sore.

After:
- contacting blood, body fluids, excretions and secretions,
- sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose,
- using the washroom or change diapers,
- handling garbage or
- petting animals.

Related Links:

Just Clean Your Hands

Other Resources:

How to hand wash
How to hand sanitize
Simple steps to germ free living
Hand hygiene reminders Children - Youth - Adult