Coastal Health District

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Simple Solution to Staying Well

Spread of the H1N1 flu virus is declining around the country; however, Georgia continues to report regional flu activity and flu activity is expected to continue for weeks. It's not too late to get the H1N1 flu vaccine and it's never too late to practice proper hand hygiene to avoid getting and spreading germs. hand_washing for Web.jpg

Washing your hands frequently is the best way to prevent illness at work, home, and school. It's best to wash your hands with warm water and soap if possible. Make sure to rub your hands together for 20 seconds before rinsing. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, apply product to the palm of one hand; rub hands together, and rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

It's especially important to teach children proper hand washing techniques. The more children wash their hands, the less likely they are to pick up germs that can make them sick.

Washing your hands is the best way to prevent catching - and reduce spreading - colds, the flu, skin infections, and digestive viruses.

You should always wash your hands:• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound

Hand washing is a simple task that goes a long way in keeping germs at bay.