Flu Prevention: Hand Washing on the Defense!
 Youth Health Connection South Shore Hospital: By Jill V. Nicholson, R.N., Curry College Nursing Student

Flu season is in full swing!
Are you aware that proper
hand washing is the single
most important action in
preventing the spread of flu
germs? If you answered yes,
you are absolutely correct!
Germs are everywhere and
on the attack. You may look
at your hands and believe
them to be “clean,” but
germs are sneaky and most
often always hidden to the
naked eye. By practicing
proper hand washing you
are not only protecting
yourself. You are also
protecting your family and
friends. This simple act is
key in reducing the spread
of germs and infections from
one person to another.
Do not be afraid, your hand
washing helper is here to
teach you the skills that you
need to know! Now let’s get
started and review the “five
effective hand washing
steps” (created by cdc.gov)
listed below:
Wet your hands with clean
cold or warm water. Lather
your hands by rubbing and
scrubbing them together
with soap. Be sure to wash
front, back, between your
fingers, and your nail beds.
Scrub your hands for 20
seconds. Make it fun! Sing
Happy Birthday to yourself 
twice. Rinse your hands
under the clean running
water. Dry your hands with
a clean towel, or air dry.
Your choice!
Parents and teachers! Please
lead the way and educate
children on the high level of
importance that correct
hand washing techniques
hold. Stay free of the flu this
season by taking an active
role in your health! Happy
hand washing to all!
To learn more about hand
washing from the CDC visit:
http://bit.ly/cleanhandscdc