Washing your hands has always been essential to protect your immune system, but the coronavirus pandemic makes it even more necessary. Use the following guide to master the perfect handwashing system to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

A Guide to Washing Your Hands

Why Proper Technique is Important

Germs are everywhere. When you touch surfaces, bacteria and viruses stay on your hands. They can make you sick if you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. You can also get sick if you prepare or eat food with contaminated hands.

If you are sick, you can also spread germs by blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing into your hands and then touching other people or objects. Thoroughly washing your hands with soap kills those germs and allows you to protect yourself. It also protects those who are extremely vulnerable to COVID-19 and have compromised immune systems.

How to Clean

Run hot or cold water to wash your hands. Wet your hands, then apply antibacterial soap. Lather the soap by rubbing your hands together for at least 20 seconds. Scrub between your fingers, the back of your hands, wrists, and underneath your fingernails. Rinse them under the water, then dry them with a clean towel.

When to Clean

Always wash your hands before eating, touching your contact lenses, or holding an infant. Wash after touching animals, blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.

During the coronavirus pandemic, sanitize your hands after touching everyday public items, such as door handles and shopping carts. Scrub your hands immediately after getting home from running errands or putting away your groceries.

Integrative Medicine of New York PLLC treats patients with auto-immune disorders in the Long Island, New York City, and Tri-State areas. Their state-of-the-art preventive medicine will help strengthen your immune system. They use strategies such as immunotherapy and regenerative medicine. Learn more on their website and call (516) 759-4200 to schedule a consultation.