Have you washed your hands?

It may be obvious, but the primary way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria in your home is to encourage an automatic habit of hand washing in all members of the family.

When

• Before eating or touching food (eg preparing food)
• After using the toilet
• After blowing the nose or coughing
• After touching pets or animals
• After playing outside
• After visiting a sick relative or friend
• On entering childcare centres or family day care schemes

Like anything else, there’s washing hands - and then there’s the correct way to wash hands.

• Use warm water
• Any soap is okay, including antibacterial soaps, but they’re not necessary for getting rid of germs.
• Soap both sides of hands as far as the wrists and between fingers, especially nails.
• Wash for 10-15 seconds!
• Rinse and dry well with a clean towel…otherwise all that good hand washing is wasted.

Check the protocol in your child’s care situation. The Centre for Community Child Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne recommends that children should wash hands on arrival, after a nappy change and after getting up from rest time.

The information provided in this article is intended as a guide only. Always consult your doctor if you or your child is suffering any medical complaint. Any websites referred to by Australian Family contain information moderated by government and medical institutions or organisations.

This article was first published in Australian Family Magazine. Updated July 2009.