Hand washing steps and guidelines by WHO and CDC with video

Handwashing is a simple and effective way to prevent the spread of germs and diseases. It involves cleaning one`s hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove dirt, grease, and microorganisms that can cause infections. Handwashing is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus that causes the disease.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, handwashing is defined as:

1 : the act or activity of washing one`s hands 2 : the act or activity or washing something by hand rather than by using a machine

Handwashing is a basic hygiene practice that everyone should follow regularly and systematically. It is part of personal hygiene, which is the practice of keeping oneself and one`s surroundings clean and healthy. Personal hygiene also includes other habits such as brushing teeth, bathing, grooming, and using clean clothes.

Handwashing is particularly important for health care workers, who are exposed to various germs and pathogens in their work environment. They need to follow strict hand hygiene guidelines to prevent cross-contamination and infection among patients and themselves. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are two global health organizations that have issued recommendations and standards for hand hygiene in health care settings.

Handwashing is also essential for everyone in the general public, especially during outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Handwashing can help prevent the transmission of germs from person to person or from contaminated surfaces to one`s mouth, nose, or eyes. Handwashing can also protect oneself from getting sick from ingesting harmful substances or allergens.

Handwashing is not only beneficial for health, but also for social and environmental reasons. Handwashing can improve one`s appearance, confidence, and self-esteem. It can also show respect and courtesy to others by avoiding unpleasant odors or stains on one`s hands. Handwashing can also save water and energy by reducing the need for washing clothes or dishes by machine.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of handwashing in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and the guidelines for proper handwashing techniques by WHO and CDC. We will also provide diagrams and videos to illustrate the steps of handwashing.

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by a novel coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. It was first detected in China in late 2019 and has since spread to more than 200 countries and territories, causing over 5 million deaths and disrupting the lives and livelihoods of billions of people.

One of the main ways that COVID-19 spreads is through respiratory droplets that are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land on the mouth, nose, or eyes of people who are nearby, or they can be inhaled into the lungs. Another way that COVID-19 can spread is through contact with surfaces or objects that have been contaminated with the virus. For example, if someone touches a doorknob or a phone that has been touched by an infected person, and then touches their own face, they can get infected.

Handwashing is one of the most effective and simple ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. By washing our hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, we can remove the germs that may have gotten onto our hands from touching contaminated surfaces or from being in close contact with infected people. Soap and water can kill or deactivate the virus by breaking down its outer layer of fat and protein. By washing our hands, we also protect ourselves from getting sick and from passing the infection to others.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), we should wash our hands:

• Before and after eating
• Before and after preparing food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after wearing a mask
• After using the toilet
• After blowing our nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching animals or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Whenever our hands are visibly dirty

We should also wash our hands before touching our face, especially our eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are the main entry points for the virus. We should avoid touching our face with unwashed hands as much as possible.

The proper way to wash our hands is to follow these steps:

1. Wet our hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
2. Lather our hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Make sure to cover all surfaces of our hands, including the palms, backs, fingers, thumbs, nails, and wrists.
3. Scrub our hands for at least 20 seconds. A good way to time this is to sing or hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice.
4. Rinse our hands well under clean running water.
5. Dry our hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

If soap and water are not available, we can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. We should apply enough sanitizer to cover all surfaces of our hands and rub them together until they feel dry. However, hand sanitizer is not as effective as soap and water in removing all types of germs and dirt from our hands, so we should use it only when necessary.

By washing our hands regularly and correctly, we can reduce the risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and other diseases. We can also help to slow down the transmission of the virus and protect the health of ourselves and others. Handwashing is a simple but powerful tool that can save lives and stop pandemics.

Handwashing is a simple but effective way to prevent the transmission of many infectious diseases, especially during a pandemic like COVID-19. However, not all handwashing methods are equally effective. To ensure that people wash their hands correctly and consistently, several health organizations have developed and disseminated guidelines for proper handwashing techniques. These guidelines are based on scientific evidence and best practices, and they aim to promote health and safety for individuals and communities.

Some of the most prominent and influential organizations that have stipulated guidelines for proper handwashing techniques are the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These two organizations are global leaders in public health, and they have extensive experience and expertise in dealing with various health threats and challenges. They also collaborate with other national and international partners to coordinate and support health initiatives and policies.

The WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for directing and coordinating international health within the UN system. It has 194 member states and six regional offices. Its main functions include providing leadership on health matters, setting norms and standards, providing technical support and guidance, monitoring and assessing health trends, and responding to health emergencies. The WHO also conducts research and development, promotes health education and communication, and advocates for health equity and human rights.

The CDC is a national public health agency of the United States that is part of the Department of Health and Human Services. It has more than 10,000 employees and 170 locations across the US and around the world. Its main functions include detecting and investigating health problems, conducting research and evaluation, developing and implementing prevention strategies, providing health information and education, supporting state and local health departments, and partnering with other organizations and agencies.

Both the WHO and the CDC have published comprehensive guidelines for proper handwashing techniques on their websites, as well as other resources such as posters, videos, brochures, and campaigns. These guidelines are intended for various audiences, such as health care workers, general public, children, travelers, food handlers, etc. They also cover different settings, such as homes, schools, workplaces, hospitals, etc. The guidelines are updated regularly to reflect new evidence and recommendations.

In the following sections of this article, we will review the handwashing guidelines by the WHO and the CDC in more detail, and compare their similarities and differences. We will also provide some examples of how to apply these guidelines in practice. By following these guidelines, we can all contribute to reducing the spread of germs and protecting ourselves and others from infections.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a global organization that operates in controlling global health standards with its aim being to provide better health standards for everyone, everywhere. With coordination in an era of globalization, the WHO has served to provide the most effective health standards by combating diseases, providing care and programs that govern health-related issues worldwide. With each stated program, the WHO sets guidelines that should and must be followed by all countries under the umbrella of WHO, i.e the 194 countries worldwide that are served by the WHO.

Concerning handwashing hygienic practices, the WHO has set aside guidelines that must provide effective patient safety, defining the Why? Who? and How? these safety techniques of handwashing must be followed. The WHO recommended that when the germs are invisible, thorough hand-rubbing with handwashing sanitizers (containing at least 60% of alcohol) for about 20-30 seconds, fully rubbing the hand back and forth, the back of the hand, in between the finger and rubbing the fingers. This practice is applied majorly by hospital care and health workers.

But the use of soap is recommended when the germs are visible or the hand is visibly soiled with dirt. These guidelines include:

• Wet the hands with water;
• Apply enough soap to cover the entire hand surface,
• Rub the palms of the hands together,
• The back of the hand and in between the fingers and in the nails,
• Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked;
• Rotational rubbing of left thumb clasped in right palm and vice versa
• Rotational rubbing, backward and forwards with clasped fingers of the right hand in left palm and vice versa;
• Rinse hands with water;
• Dry hands thoroughly with a single-use towel:
• Use a towel to turn off faucet;
• Your hands are now safe

The following diagram illustrates the hand washing steps given by WHO:

The following video demonstrates how to wash hands according to WHO guidelines:

The WHO has provided a diagram that illustrates the steps of hand washing with soap and water. The diagram shows how to rub the hands in different ways to cover all the surfaces and remove the germs effectively. The diagram also indicates the duration of each step, which should be at least 15 seconds in total. The diagram is shown below:

The diagram can be used as a guide to follow the proper hand washing technique recommended by the WHO. It can also be printed and displayed in places where hand washing is required, such as bathrooms, kitchens, schools, hospitals, and workplaces. The diagram can help people to remember the steps and practice them correctly every time they wash their hands.

To demonstrate the proper hand washing technique recommended by the WHO, the organization has produced a video that shows the steps and duration of each step. The video is available on the WHO website and YouTube channel, and it can be embedded in the blog article using the following code:

The video shows a health care worker washing his hands with soap and water, following the six steps of hand hygiene:

1. Rub palms together
2. Rub back of each hand
3. Rub palm to palm with fingers interlaced
4. Rub backs of fingers to opposing palms
5. Rub thumb and wrist of each hand
6. Rub fingertips of each hand

The video also shows a timer that counts down from 40 seconds, indicating the minimum time required for effective hand washing. The video ends with a message that says "Clean care is safer care", emphasizing the importance of hand hygiene for patient safety.

The video can be used as a visual aid to complement the written guidelines and diagram of hand washing steps given by the WHO. It can also be used as a tool to educate and motivate people to practice proper hand hygiene, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centre for Disease and Control (CDC) is an American-based organization that serves to provide better healthcare systems, safety, and protect the country against security threats. It serves as the country’s National Health Protection Agency. It aims at detecting, responding and tackling health-related threats to the country.

The CDC states that handwashing practices are meant to protect all from the risks of sicknesses. Hand washing should apply to the three basic rule of, Before, During and After, doing certain things such as:

• Before, during and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

There are five guidelines recommended by the CDC, to be practiced every time. They are:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

The CDC also advises using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not readily available. However, hand sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs and may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

The CDC provides a diagram of hand washing steps given below:

The CDC also provides a video on how to wash hands properly given below:

The CDC recommends washing hands at key times when you are likely to get and spread germs. These include:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage

By washing your hands at these times, you can prevent the transmission of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause infections such as diarrhea, respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and COVID-19. Washing your hands can also protect others around you from getting sick, especially those who are more vulnerable to infections such as children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.

Washing your hands is not only important for your health, but also for your social and economic well-being. According to the CDC, handwashing can reduce the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40%, respiratory illnesses by 16-21%, and antibiotic-resistant infections by up to 50%. Handwashing can also save lives by preventing the spread of diseases that can cause outbreaks and pandemics. In addition, handwashing can improve productivity and education by reducing absenteeism due to illness.

Therefore, it is essential to wash your hands frequently and correctly at the key times recommended by the CDC. By doing so, you can protect yourself and others from getting sick and contribute to a healthier and safer world.

The CDC recommends following five steps to wash your hands properly and prevent the spread of germs . These steps are:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), and apply soap.
2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Soap and water are the best options for handwashing, as they can remove dirt, grease, and microbes from the skin. Soap works by breaking down the oil and dirt that trap the germs on the hands, and then rinsing them away with water. Soap also helps to kill some germs by disrupting their cell membranes.

However, soap and water are not always available or convenient. In such cases, alcohol-based hand sanitizers can be used as an alternative. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol, which can kill most germs by denaturing their proteins and dissolving their lipid membranes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are especially useful when the hands are not visibly dirty or greasy, and when there is a high risk of exposure to germs, such as in health care settings or during a pandemic.

To use alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively, follow these steps:

• Apply enough product to cover all surfaces of your hands.
• Rub your hands together until they feel dry, for about 20 seconds.
• Do not rinse or wipe off the product before it dries.
• Do not use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy, as they may not work well.
• Do not use alcohol-based hand sanitizers if you have cuts or wounds on your hands, as they may cause irritation or infection.
• Store alcohol-based hand sanitizers out of reach of children and pets, and avoid ingesting them or getting them in your eyes.

Remember that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not a substitute for soap and water, but a complement. They can reduce the number of germs on your hands, but they cannot remove all types of germs or harmful chemicals. Therefore, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water whenever possible, especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing. By using soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of germs, you can protect yourself and others from getting sick.

To demonstrate the proper hand washing technique recommended by the CDC, you can watch this video from their official YouTube channel. The video shows how to wet, lather, scrub, rinse and dry your hands correctly, as well as some common mistakes to avoid. The video also explains why hand washing is important to prevent the spread of germs and diseases.

Handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect ourselves and others from many harmful germs and diseases. By following the guidelines of the WHO and the CDC, we can ensure that we wash our hands properly and thoroughly, and reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and other infections. Handwashing is especially important in situations where we are in contact with sick people, contaminated surfaces, food, animals, or bodily fluids. Handwashing can also help us maintain good personal hygiene and prevent skin problems.

Handwashing is not only a personal responsibility, but also a social one. By washing our hands regularly and systematically, we can contribute to the health and well-being of our families, communities, and the world. Handwashing can prevent outbreaks of diseases, save lives, and reduce the burden on health systems. Handwashing is also a sign of respect and care for ourselves and others.

Therefore, we should always remember to wash our hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, following the steps recommended by the WHO and the CDC. We should also encourage others to do the same, and educate them about the benefits of handwashing. By doing so, we can make handwashing a habit and a norm, and improve our health and quality of life.

Handwashing is not only a basic hygiene practice, but also a powerful tool to fight against infections.

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