In the wake of the current COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, you may want to know some ways to keep yourself healthy and safe.

Washing your hands is one of the best ways to keep the spread of germs at bay. Let’s look at when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

When Should You Wash Your Hands?

To prevent the spread of germs and disease, wash your hands in any of the following events:

• Before, during, and after food preparation
• Before and after meals
• Before and after touching a sick individual
• Before and after treating wounds
• After using the bathroom
• After coughing, sneezing, or wiping/blowing your nose
• After changing diapers
• After cleaning a child who has used the bathroom
• After taking out the garbage
• After touching an animal or cleaning animal waste
• After handling pet food/treats

And, when in doubt, wash your hands.

The Right Way to Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is such an easy yet effective method for staying healthy. Clean hands keep you healthy, but they also prevent the spread of disease to others in your home, work and community.

According to the CDC, follow these five steps every time you need to give your hands a wash:

1.Wet your hands with clean, running water — either warm or cold — then turn off the tap and apply soap

2.Lather your hands with the soap by rubbing them together. Make sure you cover the backs of your hands, between the fingers, and underneath your fingernails.

3.Scrub your hands for 20 seconds. Hum the entire “Happy Birthday” song twice if you need a timer.

4.Rinse your hands with clean, running water.

5.Either air dry your hands or use a clean towel.

What About Hand Sanitizer?

Hand sanitizer does not kill as many types of germs as soap and water, but it can be useful in a pinch. If you must use hand sanitizer, rub it over all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds and let air dry fully before resuming activities.