If you want to avoid catching and spreading colds and flu, follow these simple instructions
With the recent report of a 19th case of human bird flu on the mainland, and two reported cases in Hong Kong last week, we thought it was a good time to remind everyone of the importance of knowing how to wash your hands properly.
Hands are the main way disease-carrying germs are spread. You should wash your hands several times a day – most importantly every time after you go to the toilet, and every time before you eat. Otherwise, you risk catching or spreading things like tummy bugs, pneumonia and flu, and skin and eye infections.
Unicef Hong Kong shared this helpful poster for Global Handwashing Day. That takes place in October, but the poster explains how to make sure your hands are really clean, and is perfect to share at this time of year. Read, memorise, and use these steps every time you wash.
(And check out the helpful links embedded in the graphic for more top tips and related reads!)
Wet:
Use just enough water to wet your hands, then use your elbow to turn the tap off if it’s not automatic.
Lather:
Squirt liquid soap, or rub a bar of soap, in one hand and lather it up. Then rub the soap all over your hands, in the order shown in steps 1 to 7. This should take at least 20 seconds.
Rinse:
Use your elbow to turn the tap on, if necessary, then rinse well with running water. Turn the tap off with your elbow, and dry your hands with a clean towel.