Hand Washing

Hand washing is the single most effective thing you can do to keep from getting sick.

Proper hand washing removes viruses and bacteria from hands and fingers.

• Always use soap and warm water.
• Rub hands together for 10-15 seconds.
• Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Hands should be washed:

• before eating, drinking and handling food;
• after using the toilet, blowing your nose or covering a sneeze;
• after touching your face, body parts or hair; and
• after handling garbage, diapers or when hands are dirty.

Good hand washing helps prevent the spread of disease and the cross-contamination of food products.

For more information, call the communicable disease control program at 317-221-2117 or visit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/op/handwashing.htm.