Germs - wash your hands of them

Why is hand washing so important?

The most common way germs are spread is by people's hands. Germs are often harmless but they can also cause illnesses such as colds, flu, and tummy bugs.

Washing your hands properly with soap and warm water is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infections and help protect you, your family and those around you.

Hand washing should be part of everyone's daily routine especially:

• Before eating or handling food
• After using the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• After touching animals or animal waste
• After handling rubbish
• After changing a nappy
• Before and after touching a sick or injured person
• Before and after visiting a hospital ward (remember alcohol-based hand rubs are also provided).

It takes at least fifteen seconds to wash your hands properly. 

Encourage children to wash their hands by showing them how to do it, and by setting them a good example.

Visit www.washyourhandsofthem.com to find out more about:

• When to clean your hands
• The correct way to wash your hands
• Why you should clean your hands and
• The new handwashing campaign