Hand Hygiene and You - Hand Washing Advice

Why is hand hygiene so important?

The most common way germs are spread is by people’s hands. Germs are often harmless but they can also cause illnesses such as colds, flu and tummy bugs.

Proper hand washing with soap and warm water is the single most important thing you can do to help reduce the spread of infections and help protect you, your family and those around you.

Hand Washing for Children

It is vitally important that all children are made aware of the importance and benefits of washing your hands properly.

Encouraging children to wash their hands at appropriate times will help to ensure that this practice becomes a lifelong habit.

Carers

For those people who care for friends or relatives who are unable to look after themselves, it is equally important that hand washing techniques are applied at the appropriate times.

This helps to significantly reduce the risk of passing on an infection to someone who could be more susceptible to infection because of their existing condition.

Visiting a friend or relative in Hospital

When visiting a friend or relative in hospital or other environment where healthcare is provided, it is important to ensure that you clean your hands in order to help prevent the spread of infection.