Worried about coronavirus? Here's how to properly wash your hands

By Lorelei Yang, Countable News

Proper handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick during the current novel coronavirus threat.

Handwashing is needed at these key times:

• Before, during, and after preparing food.
• Before eating food.
• Before and after caring for someone who’s sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
• 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.
• 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.

It’s also worth considering immediate hand washing after entering your home from outdoors. This helps ensure that you don’t spread germs from the outside environment in your house.

How to properly wash your hands

Follow the steps described in the graphic below to ensure that you’re washing your hands properly:

If you’re in a situation where you can’t use soap and water to wash your hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is the next best alternative.

How to properly use hand sanitizer (yes, there's a right way)

To properly use hand sanitizer, follow the steps outlined in the graphic below:

If you’re using hand sanitizer instead of soap, it’s important to keep some key caveats in mind:

• Sanitizers can’t get rid of all types of germs.
• Hand sanitizers may be less effective when hand are visibly dirty or greasy.
• Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals, from hands.

(Image Credit: iStockphoto.com / Moyo Studio)