Proper Handwashing

Properly washing your hands is the best way to help prevent the spread of germs that can cause influenza (such as H1N1), infections, colds and other respiratory viruses.
1. Wet hands and wrists in warm, running water.
2. Apply liquid soap or clean bar soap. Lather well.
3. Rub hands vigorously for at least 10-15 seconds.
4. Scrub fingertips, wrists, back of hands and between and around fingers.
5. Rinse hands and wrists thoroughly under running water.
6. Dry hands with clean towel or paper towel.If washing hands in a public restroom, rinse hands and leave the tap running. After hands are dry, use paper towel to turn off tap.

If you do not have access to warm running water, you can use an alcohol based hand sanitizer instead.Disinfecting with an alcohol hand sanitizer:
1. Apply sanitizer to open palm.
2. Rub hands together.
3. Make sure to rub fingertips, wrists, back of hands and between and around fingers.
4. Keep rubbing until hands are dry.

You should wash your hands regularily and especially:
•After using the washroom.
•After handling garbage.
•Before and after eating or handling food, especially raw fish, poultry and meat.
•After handling animals.
•After visiting or being near sick people.
•After sneezing or coughing.