Hygiene - Mississippi State Department of Health

Handwashing is the single most important means of preventing the spread of infection.

Our hands bring us into contact every day with disease-causing bacteria and viruses, including those that cause flu. Frequent handwashing can remove or destroy these germs. It's a powerful tool against disease.

When to Wash

You should wash your hands before:

Handling food
Setting the table
Eating
Treating a scrape, cut, or wound
Tending to someone who is sick
Putting in or taking out contact lenses

You should wash your hands after:

Going to the bathroom
Changing diapers
Coughing or sneezing
Preparing food
Touching burns, cuts, or sores
Playing with pets or animals
Handling dirty dishes, utensils, or touching cabinet tops where food is prepared
Being around someone who is sick
Taking out the garbage

How to Wash

Thoroughly washing every part of the hands is essential. A proper handwashing takes at least 20 seconds.

Wet your hands under warm running water and apply some soap.
Lather up - apply soap and rub your hands together hard to scrub dirt and germs away.
Wash hands front and back, and between the fingers.
Wash around your wrists and under your nails.
Rinse well in warm water.
Dry your hands completely with a clean cloth or paper towel.

It's in Your Hands: Handwashing basics for kids and materials for teachers

Flyers, posters and lesson plans

Try It!

Why Washing Works

You need all the steps above to make handwashing work its best for you.

Water by itself is not enough to get rid of all germs. Your skin naturally produces oils that germs can stick to. Soap breaks down that oil and makes it harder for germs to stay on your hands.
Rubbing your hands together is important to loosen and remove the dirt and germs that stick to your hands. Scrub well and thoroughly. Even just a few germs are sometimes enough to cause infection.
Don't be hasty. Wash your hands for around 20 seconds for the best results.
You probably don't think much about your fingernails when washing your hands, but you should. Dirt and germs collect there and move to your eyes and mouth when you touch them. Use the fingernails of one hand to clean under the nails of the other.
If you can't get to soap and water right away, try carrying an alcohol-based gel in your backpack to use in the meantime.
Drying hands thoroughly after washing is important. If you have a choice, use a paper towel instead of a cloth to prevent the spread of germs to others who might use the same towel.