How to Practice Proper Handwashing to Prevent Illnesses 

With cold and flu season on the horizon, healthy habits and hygiene can make a difference and stop the spread of germs and illness. 

“Handwashing is an easy and effective way to stop the spread of disease,” Afsoun Sichani, MD, Medical Director of WVU Medicine Urgent Care-East, said.

This cold and flu season, practice good hand hygiene and follow the proper steps: 

• Wet hands in water.
• Remove hands from water and apply soap.
• Scrub for 20 seconds out of the stream of water.  
• Be sure to scrub fronts and backs of hands, as well as between fingers.
• Return hands to water and rinse thoroughly.
• Dry completely with clean towel or under an air dryer.
• Turn off the faucet using a paper towel to prevent re-exposure of germs on the hands. 

“Washing your hands frequently throughout the day keeps them clean and lessens the chance that you pass common germs to other people,” Dr. Sichani said.  

Dr. Sichani recommends washing your hands around the following activities: 

• After using the restroom.
• Before, during, and after preparing food.  
• Before eating.
• After sneezing or coughing into your hands.
• After caring for children or someone who is sick.
• After handling pets or pet waste.
• After touching garbage or other potentially contaminated surfaces. 

“Washing with soap and warm water is best, but if that isn’t an option, then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol,” Dr. Sichani said. 

If you do get sick this season, visit your primary care provider or seek WVU Medicine Urgent Care: Locations | WVU Medicine