1. Infection Control Handwashing and Hand Hygiene

2. Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives Microbes are all tiny living organisms that may or may not cause disease. Germs, or pathogens, are types of microbes that can cause disease. Microbes and germs are also known as, pathogens. Microbes and germs are also known as, pathogens. * Pathogens are disease-producing organisms.

3. Where are these pathogens found? EVERYWHERE Our hands are a perfect medium for the spread of pathogens.

4. How do germs get onto peoples hands? Germs get onto our hands and make people sick primarily via feces (poop). * After using the toilet * Changing a diaper * Handling raw meat with invisible amounts of animal poop on them.

5. Washing hands prevents illnesses and the spread of infections to others Handwashing with soap removes germs from hands. Prevents infections: People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs from unwashed hands get into foods and drinks during preparation. Objects: handrails, table tops, door knobs, toys …

6. WHEN should we wash our hands? Before, during, and after preparing food Before eating food Before and after caring for someone who is sick Before and after treating a cut or wound After using the toilet After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

7. WHEN should we wash our hands? After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste After handling pet food or pet treats After touching garbage

8. HOW should we wash our hands? WET your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap. LATHER your hands by rubbing them together with soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. WHY LATHER? Lathering and scrubbing hands creates friction, which helps lift dirt, grease, and microbes from skin. Microbes are present on all surfaces of the hand, in particularly under the nails, so the entire hand shoud be scrubbed.

9. HOW should we wash our hands? SCRUB your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice. RINSE hands well under clean, running water. DRY hands using a clean towel or a hand dryer them.

10. Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives Keeping hands clean is one of the most important things we can do to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy.

11. www.cdc.gov Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333 (800) 232-4636