The Right Way to Wash Your Hands and Prevent Coronavirus
The spread of the coronavirus has prompted worldwide concern as public health officials attempt to control the outbreak.
There is currently no vaccine for coronavirus. Washing your hands thoroughly is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of getting sick.
According to the USDA, 97 percent of Americans don't wash their hands properly.
Fear of contracting coronavirus has taken over America. There are more than 80 confirmed cases in the United States and no vaccine in sight. But washing your hands can keep you healthy and is one of the best ways to prevent the coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.
You probably think you know how to wash your hands, since you do it — hopefully — multiple times a day. But it turns out, 97 percent of Americans wash incorrectly, according to data from the United States Department of Agriculture.
The USDA found that when it comes to hand washing, people make two common mistakes: not washing long enough, and drying their hands on a dirty towel.
To reduce the spread of germs, disease, and illness (like the flu or coronavirus) here's a quick how-to on proper hand washing, courtesy of the CDC.
Wet hands with clean water.
Rub hands together to create a lather. Be sure to lather the back of your hands and between your fingers. Don't forget to clean under your nails as bacteria like E. coli can hide in the crevices.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds, which is like singing the happy birthday song twice.
Rinse your hands with clean water.
Dry hands on a clean towel, which means it's been used no more than three times before getting tossed in the hamper.
Chances are, you're probably skimping out on how often you wash, too. The CDC recommends washing:
Before, during and after touching food
Before mealtime
Before and after interacting with someone who is sick
Before and after bandaging wounds
Post sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose
After using the bathroom
If you've changed diapers
Whenever you've played with your pup or other animals
After touching garbage
Aside from washing after going to the bathroom, be sure to give your hands a good scrub when you get home, too.
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