Clean your hands
Did you know?
Hand hygiene is one of the simplest ways to stay healthy.Research has shown that many people do not clean their hands as they should. Cleaning your hands properly is an effective way to reduce your chances of getting sick with influenza or other diseases and to reduce spreading viruses.
- Did you know that 80% of common infections are spread by our hands?
Germs are a part of every day life. Some bacteria are beneficial and part of our body's natural protection against disease. Other bacteria and viruses cause disease and are commonly introduced to the body when touching hands to the mouth, nose or eyes.
- Next to immunization, keeping hands clean is one of the most important ways to stop the spread of disease.
Resources
- Alberta Hand Hygiene Strategy
2008 - Read more on influenza self-care
- Watch Top Doc hand washing videos
- Visit the Do Bugs Need Drugs? website
Hand hygiene in the workplace
Free hand hygiene decals are available for you to use in your workplace as part of Alberta's Clean Your Hands campaign. The decals available are:
To order the free hand hygiene decals:
- To order, email HandHygiene@gov.ab.ca.
Please specify if you would like a standard office package consisting of an assortment of all campaign decals or if you would like specific quantities of certain decals. When you email us, Include your name and a complete mailing address.
Thank you for promoting a healthy workplace!
Do your part
Prevent the spread
- Cough and sneeze into your arm When you cough and sneeze, you spread germs. These germs (bacteria and viruses) can then lead to others getting sick with the common cold, influenza (the flu), or other respiratory infections.
- It is estimated that only 34% of people wash their hands after sneezing and coughing, so do your part and cough and sneeze into your arm, not your hand.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth after shaking hands or touching hard surfaces like counters and door handles or other surfaces that may harbour influenza and other viruses.
- Keep common surfaces clean and disinfected.
Clean your hands the right way
There is more than one way to clean your hands properly
1. Wash your hands
- Using soap and warm water, lather your hands and scrub for 1520 seconds.
- Rinse your hands for 10 seconds in warm running water.
- Dry with a clean paper towel, turning off water using the paper towel.
2. Clean using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- You can also clean your hands using an alcohol-based sanitizer. Be sure to use one with 60% alcohol or greater.
Put some of the hand sanitizer (gel, liquid or foam) on the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. - Cover all surfaces including fingers and wrists, and rub until dry (about 1525 seconds).
- Hand sanitizers don't work if hands are soiled. When hands are soiled, wash with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use a towelette that contains detergent. Then use a hand sanitizer.
