Handwashing
It might seem obvious but washing your hands is really important. Here’s one reason why…
A recent study found that one in six people’s mobile phones had poo on them.
Disgusting but true and, as we’re constantly touching our mobile phones with our hands, this can spread diseases like coughs, colds and sickness and diarrhoea.
You should wash your hands regularly and you should always wash them:
- After using the toilet
- After handling raw foods like chicken, meat and vegetables
- Before eating or handling ready to eat food
- After having contact with animals, including pets.
Washing your hands properly removes dirt, viruses and bacteria to stop them spreading to other people and objects, which can spread illnesses such as food poisoning, flu or diarrhoea.
Washing your hands with warm running water and soap is sufficient to remove dirt, viruses and germs.
If you wash your hands properly, you should be able to sing happy birthday twice while washing them (about 20 seconds).
This information has been provided by our school nurses and NHS Choices.