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Did you wash your hands?

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A woman holding her hands out for water from Shutterstock.
A woman holding her hands out for water from Shutterstock.
Petrenko Andriy
Researchers have found that the best way to rid your hands of germs is by simply washing with soap and water.

This method proved more effective, and cheaper, that hand sanitisers and wipes. But wipes and gels are just as useful when you are on the go.

Take action:

Hand washing, correctly done, can easily prevent the spread of germs (especially now that the cold and flu season is coming up). The better you wash, the more likely you are to remove even those tiny particles that if allowed to get into your mouth, could make you seriously ill.

Wet your hands, ideally with very warm water; add soap, then rub your hands together to make a soapy lather; vigorously scrub the front and back of your hands and between your fingers.

Experts recommend 15 to 20 seconds of rubbing when washing letting the water run into the sink, not down your arms; dry your hands thoroughly with a clean towel.

Judge the time is singing Happy Birthday to You. Wash your hands whenever you think you’ve exposed them to bacteria or viruses. 

How often do you wash your hands?





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