Be a Wingman; Prevent Spreading Germs

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Meredith Bricker
  • 48th Medical Group, Public Health
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Have you ever thought about how much contamination you accumulate on your hands during your day-to-day routines? 

Doorknobs, shopping carts, drinking fountains and the microwave handle in your work section can be breeding grounds for harmful bacteria and viruses. A few simple steps to hand hygiene can be an important tool for combating the transmission of disease. 

To wash your hands effectively, follow these steps: 
- Wet your hands with water.
- Apply soap and rub hands together vigorously for 15 seconds. 
- Rinse your hands with water and dry with a disposable paper towel as well as turning the faucet off with your paper towel.

Alcohol-based hand rubs are also a good way to sanitize your hands, but keep in mind these should only be used when your hands are not visibly soiled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that alcohol-based hand solutions contain at least 60 percent alcohol. To use, simply apply product to the palm of one hand and rub hands together covering all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry. 

Remember to wash your hands before food preparation, before you eat, after you use the restroom, after handling garbage, after handling animal waste and any time that they are visibly soiled. It is especially important to increase hand washing during times of illness. 

Practicing cough etiquette is a good way to minimize the transmission of harmful viruses from one person to another. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with a tissue. After using the tissue, place it in the waste basket. If you do not have a tissue, cough into the upper part of your sleeve. Do not cough into your hands. If you do cough into your hands, wash them immediately with soap and water using the steps above or sanitize them with the use of a 60 percent alcohol-based hand rub. 

Remember, saving a life could be as simple as washing your hands. Disease prevention starts with you; don't pass it on.
 
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov  or www.nhs.uk.