The Dish on Hand Washing

By Tim Link, REHS, CFSP, City of Dubuque Health Services Department

It is well accepted that hand washing prevents illness. In fact, proper hand washing can be a key component in illness prevention. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there are 76 million cases of food-borne illness (also known as food poisoning) each year resulting in over 5,000 deaths. In addition, most respiratory infections are passed on by hand contact – not through the air from a sneeze or cough. Proper hand hygiene can reduce all forms of hand-transmitted germs.

In homes with children and in childcare centers, it can be a challenge to keep children’s hands clean. What’s so difficult about hand washing? Nothing, if you follow these essential steps using warm water, soap, and friction. Teach children how to do this and make regular hand washing part of the daily eating and hygiene routine both in and away from the home.

1. Wet hands.
2. Apply soap.
3. Follow by vigorous rubbing for at least 20 seconds.

Pay attention to areas around and under the fingernail. Once complete, thoroughly dry hands. Hand washing studies often suggest the use of disposable towels or air dryers further help to decrease illness transmission. Use of common cloth towels can be a vehicle for germ spread.

You could try having children sing “Happy Birthday” while they wash their hands. Washing for as long as it takes to sing one verse will be enough to eliminate most of the germs on their hands.

What about the use of hand sanitizers? Hand sanitizers should never be used in place of hand washing, unless no other option exists. Literature suggests hand sanitizers may not be effective against some viruses. Hand sanitizers are more effective if used after good hand washing.

It is always a great time to practice and teach good hand hygiene. With proper hand washing, we may be able to avoid illnesses or greatly prevent the spread. So lather up!