Health Nurse Update

Handwashing - why it's so important!

Did you know that washing your hands often and effectively is the best way to keep kids and adults from getting sick? That's why hand washing is so important!

Even when your hands look clean they could still be carrying germs, this is because germs are so small you can't see them. When we touch other people or objects we can spread germs without realising it. 

When to wash hands

• Before and after eating
• After using the toilet
• After you blow your nose, sneeze or cough
• When your hands are visibly dirty
• After patting and playing with your pets
• After being outside (playing, walking the dog)

How to wash your hands

We all wash our hands but it's important to wash your hands the right way!

Using soap and water

1. Wet your hands with water and apply the soap

2. Rub the soap all over your hands. Pay attention to the backs of your hands and fingers, fingernails, wrists and between your fingers

3. Rinse your hands under running water

4. Dry hands with a towel, paper towel or hand dryer

Using alcohol-based hand sanitiser

1. Use enough hand sanitiser to cover both hands

2. Rub all surfaces of your hands. Rub both hands together until dry

References:

Healthy WA. (n.d). ‘Facts about hand hygiene’. Retrieved from https://healthywa.wa.gov.au