In the winter, there are many contagious viruses circulating, and they are especially dangerous for children with compromised immune systems. The best way to keep yourself and others healthy is to wash your hands frequently! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these 5 steps to keep your hands as clean as possible!
1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold is OK), and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands with the soap. Don't forget the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. (Tip: sing the song Happy Birthday twice!)
4. Rinse your hands under clean, running water. (If you can, turn off the faucet with a clean paper towel.)
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dry them.
Bonus: If you can use a clean paper towel to open the bathroom door, even better!
What about hand sanitizer?
Washing hands with soap and water is best, but if that's not possible, hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol content) will get rid of most germs. Apply the hand sanitizer to the palm of one hand and rub your hands together, over all of the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
