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The most important -- and easiest -- action we can take to
prevent getting sick and spreading illness to others is to
wash our hands. The Health Department reminds everyone that
the most common germs that cause illness can be eliminated
by effective hand washing. Gastro-intestinal illnesses, influenza,
the common cold, salmonella, pink eye and many other diseases
can be prevented by washing hands thoroughly. The Health Department's
public education campaign: "Your Health is In
Your Hands: WASH" promotes proper hand washing with educational
materials; and hand washing
education at health fairs and other community events. Call
the Health Department for more information at 703-246-2411,
TTY 703-591-6435.
Hands should always be washed AFTER:
- using the toilet
- coughing, sneezing or using a tissue
- eating, drinking or smoking
- touching cuts, burns or infected areas on the skin
- handling raw meat and poultry
- changing diapers
- touching animals
- touching public surfaces like door handles, gas pumps,
shopping carts, etc.
Hands should always be washed BEFORE:
- touching eyes, nose and mouth
- inserting or removing contact lenses
- preparing food
- eating
How to Wash- A short
Hand Washing guide.
Public Education Materials
Hand wash instruction sign (PDF) - English
Hand wash instruction sign (PDF) - Chinese
Hand wash instruction sign (PDF) - Korean
Hand wash instruction sign (PDF) - Spanish
Hand wash instruction sign (PDF) - Vietnamese
Brochure - "Wash Your Hands to Stop the Spread of Germs
and Prevent Disease" (PDF) (english only) |