About... Hand Washing

Why is hand washing important?

Hand washing is the single most effective means of preventing the spread of infections. Many diseases, such as the common cold, influenza (flu), ear infections, strep throat, diarrheal illnesses, etc., can be spread by unwashed or improperly washed hands.

How are diseases spread?

Bacteria and viruses that cause disease can get on your hands in many ways, e.g., handling food or animals, touching doorknobs, shaking hands, using phone receivers or computer keyboards, and using the toilet. You can help reduce the spread of many bacteria and viruses by properly washing your hands with soap and water. Always wash your hands before you touch your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears.

When should I wash my hands?

Always wash your hands:

• After using the toilet
• After helping someone else use the toilet
• After changing a diaper
• After helping someone who is ill
• After blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing
• Before, during, and after food preparation, especially raw foods
• Before eating
• After handling soiled utensils and equipment
• After handling garbage
• After handling money
• After handling animals, especially reptiles, (e.g., iguanas, turtles, or snakes) or livestock (e.g., cattle, pigs, or sheep)

What is the proper way to wash my hands?

• Wet hands with running water
• Lather hands with soap
• Wash the palms, back of hands, between fingers, and under fingernails for at least 15 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice)
• Rinse hands with running water
• Pat hands dry, beginning at the wrist and moving downward
• Cover the faucet handle(s) with a paper towel to turn off the water

How can hand washing protect me and my family?

Keeping your hands clean is one of the most important ways you can avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Foodborne illness outbreaks often happen when a food handler touches food with unwashed or improperly washed hands. Many diarrheal illnesses (such as salmonellosis, hepatitis A, and shigellosis) can be spread from person to person by individuals who fail to wash their hands after using the toilet and then pass the bacteria or virus by handling food, shaking hands, or touching other objects. If the bacteria or virus gets into another person’s mouth and is swallowed, that person then becomes sick. Proper hand washing is everyone’s responsibility:

• Parents should teach their children the proper way to wash their hands.
• Children should see their parents and other care providers washing their hands properly and frequently.
• Consumers should let restaurants, daycare providers, doctors, health care workers, long-term care facilities, etc., know they are concerned about personal hygiene and the proper use of hand washing to help control infections.

This page was last reviewed April 2, 2007.

All information presented is intended for public use. For more information, please visit the following Web site:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands