Friday, September 5, 2014

Hand Washing IS #1 Prevenative Against Illnesses

Germs are so small that you can not see them and they are found almost everywhere. There are many types of germs (bacteria and viruses). Bacteria and viruses can cause illnesses and diseases such as: colds, influenza, pneumonia,hepatitis A and shigellosis. Washing your hands is the best prevention against these illnesses and diseases! How to Wash Your Hands: Use warm, running water. Use liquid or pump soap whenever possible. Rub hands together vigorously for 10-20 seconds. Pay special attention to the cuticles and underneath the fingernails. Rinse thoroughly and dry off hands with a dry paper towel or hand dryer. When to Wash Your Hands: After using the toilet. After playing with animals, handling money and coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Before preparing, touching or eating food. Importance of Handwashing: Illnesses and diseases caused by bacteria and viruses can be very serious and can even cause death if not properly treated. Germs can be spread four ways: fecal-oral contact (e.g., hepatitis A and shigellosis), direct/close contact (e.g ., lice), blood contact (e.g., HIVIAIDS and hepatitis B), and respiratorylairborne contact (e.g., influenza and colds). Nurse Donna

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