The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has always recommended regular handwashing to keep yourself healthy from sicknesses like the common cold and the flu. While practicing social distancing is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19, hand hygiene is more important than ever as well. Even while staying at home, regularly washing your hands plays a key role in keeping you healthy throughout the pandemic. Here are a few simple yet effective hand hygiene tips from your St. Albans dentist that can help protect you from the novel coronavirus.
How to Properly Wash Your Hands
Half-hearted hand hygiene won’t protect you from COVID-19. To keep yourself healthy and your hands germ-free, it’s essential to practice the right handwashing techniques with these five steps:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water.
- Lather with soap and thoroughly wash your hands for 20 seconds.
- Clean your fingertips as well as underneath your fingernails and jewelry.
- Rinse your hands off with clean, running water.
- Dry your hands completely, ideally with a disposable (paper) towel.
When to Wash Your Hands in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Recent studies estimate that the average person touches their face 16 times an hour, or 2,000-3,000 times a day. Since bacteria and germs can be transferred to our face each time it comes in contact with our hands, it’s essential to wash our hands frequently. In “normal” everyday life, health experts recommend handwashing:
- Before eating.
- Before leaving the bathroom.
- After handling raw food, garbage, or animals.
However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, you should also wash your hands:
- After returning from a grocery store, pharmacy, or other public place.
- Directly after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- Before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Tips for Using Hand Sanitizer in COVID-19
Contrary to popular belief, using hand sanitizer is not a more effective way to clean your hands than washing with soap and water. However, health experts report that a sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content can be used as an alternative in times when handwashing is not an option. To use it correctly, carefully read and follow the instructions printed on the label. Typically, you’ll be instructed to apply a small amount in the center of one palm, then rub it all over both hands for 20 seconds.
Remember, excellent hand hygiene can only keep you safe when practiced correctly. Keep these important tips in mind to keep your hands clean and yourself healthy throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
About the Practice
At Warnick & Semder Dentistry in St. Albans, WV, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and community. In order to continue to provide excellent oral health care in the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now utilizing virtual consultations to safely connect with our patients. If you have questions or concerns about your dental health, please reach out to us via our website or at (304) 722-2211.