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| Thomas J. Sandora, MD, MPH |
Q: Why is hand hygiene important?
A: Germs can make you sick. And being sick is no fun. It often means missing school, work or other planned activities.
Most people don't realize that four out of five germs that cause illness are spread by hands. So good hand hygiene is extremely important for the whole family. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand hygiene is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.
Q: What causes colds and stomach flus?
A: Colds and stomach flus can be caused by viruses or bacteria, which are each a kind of germ. Even though many people believe so, things like cold weather and not getting enough sleep do not actually cause infections or colds or stomach flu.
Q: How can stomach flus be spread?
A: Stomach flus are also spread by the hands. Sharing food, shaking hands or touching objects that a sick person has touched can all spread a stomach flu from one person to another.
Q: How can colds be spread?
A: Many people know that if a sick person talks closely (within three feet) or coughs on someone, a cold can be spread. What people often don't realize is that a more important way that colds spread is by the hands. Shaking hands with a sick person or touching the same objects he's touched can spread his cold. This is why keeping your hands clean is so important in preventing the spread of colds.
Q: How can I practice hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of colds and flus?
A: There are two ways to practice hand hygiene:
- Use soap and water; or
- Use a waterless, alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Q: Why are hand sanitizers a good option?
A: Hand sanitizers are a convenient way to get rid of germs when hands are not visibly soiled. Because water, soap or towels are not needed, hand sanitizers can be taken with you and used any time, any place.
For example, hand sanitizers can be carried in your purse, backpack and in the car. And of course, they can be kept throughout the home or office -- giving you and your family a convenient way to get rid of the germs on your hands.
Q: How much alcohol-based hand sanitizer should I use when I clean my hands?
A: The correct amount to use is a nickel-sized amount (or about the size of your thumbnail).
Q: How long should I rub my hands together when using hand sanitizer?
A: You should rub your hands together until they are dry, no matter how many seconds it takes. Once the sanitizer is completely rubbed in, it will kill the germs on your hands.
Q: How long should I wash my hands with soap and water to adequately clean them?
A: Most experts agree that you should wash your hands for at least 15 seconds. This may seem like a long time, but shorter washings may not remove enough germs to prevent infections from spreading.
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Q: Don't alcohol-based hand sanitizers make your hands dry? 
