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Handwashing
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Handwashing with soap and water
Disinfecting with hand sanitizers
Chain of Infection

Our bodies are covered by germs.  These germs do not make us sick and we call these germs good germ.  In addition to the good germs there are bad germs that come from other people (ie influenza germ) or from touching contaminated surfaces.  These bad germs cause sickness.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body and it is our first line of defence against germs.

80% of common infections are spread by hands.

One of the best ways to stop the spread of germs is to wash your hands.  Unwashed hands can cause disease to enter your body when you touch your nose, mouth, eyes or wounds.

Washing or sanitizing your hands helps prevent the spread of infection.

When should you wash your hands

  • before you eat

  • before and after preparing food

  • after toileting

  • after changing diapers

  • after you blow your nose, cough or sneeze

  • when your hands are visibly dirty

 


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