Happy National Handwashing Awareness Week… Yes, this is a real thing! From December 1-7, the week is designed to help raise awareness about the importance of handwashing. More important than ever, the CDC launched Life is Better with Clean Hands, a new national campaign designed to motivate adults to make clean hands part of their daily lives.
Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Studies have shown that handwashing can prevent 1 in 5 respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu.
According to the CDC, follow these five steps every time while washing your hands:
- Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
- Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
- Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
If soap and water aren’t available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Want to test your knowledge on hand sanitizers? Take the quiz here!
Check out these FAQ’s from the FDA about hand sanitizer.
Q. Is hand sanitizer effective against COVID-19? The best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands with plain soap and water. If soap and water are not available, you should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Q. Should I be using antibacterial soap to wash my hands? Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. There is currently no evidence that consumer antiseptic wash products (also known as antibacterial soaps) are any more effective at preventing illness than washing with plain soap and water.
Q. Is the FDA taking measures to increase the supply of hand sanitizers? Yes. FDA has recently developed multiple guidance documents for the temporary preparation of hand sanitizers by pharmacies and other companies during the public health emergency posed by COVID-19.
Q. Many surface cleaners and disinfectants say they can be used against SARS-CoV-2. What does this mean? Can I use these products on my hands or body to prevent or treat the virus? Do not use disinfectant sprays or wipes on your skin because they may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces.
Q. Do hand sanitizers have an expiration date? Are they still effective after the expiration date? OTC drug products generally must list an expiration date unless they have data showing that they are stable for more than 3 years.
For more information on National Handwashing Awareness Week and other resources for promoting the week, please visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
