Handwashing

Are you washing your hands properly? Probably not. But it’s the easiest way to protect yourself and others against illness. Virus infections like flu and food poisoning are carried on your hands, so washing them carefully is essential.

It should take about 20 seconds using these steps:

1 After wetting and thoroughly soaping your hands rub them together palm to palm. 2 Rub the back of your left hand with your right palm with interlaced fingers. Repeat with the other hand. 3 Rub your palms together with fingers interlaced. 4 Rub the backs of your fingers against your palms with fingers interlocked. 5 Clasp your left thumb with your right hand and rub in rotation. Repeat with your left hand and right thumb. 6 Rub the tips of your fingers in the other palm in a circular motion, going backwards and forwards. Repeat with the other hand. 7 Rinse hands with water (warm or cold). 8 Dry thoroughly, ideally with a disposable towel.

Of course, you can use a hand sanitiser in the same way.