Hand washing 101

Help keep yourself and others safe by practicing effective hand hygiene.


Studies show that 95% of people don’t wash their hands correctly. It’s important to practice effective hand hygiene. Below are six simple steps for washing your hands to help stop germs and viruses from spreading.

6 simple steps for effective hand washing

1

Use warm water and lather your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. That’s as long as it takes to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.

2

Wash both the top and bottom of your hands.

3

Scrub between your fingers.

4

Wash from under your fingernails to your wrists.

5

Rinse by placing hands pointing downward under running water.

6

Dry with a clean towel or air dry.

4 facts about hand sanitizers

Hand sanitizers offer a quick way to clean your hands when soap and water aren’t available. Here’s some important facts to keep in mind.

1

Hand sanitizers can help reduce germs, but not eliminate them.

2

They are not as effective as soap and water.

3

They should contain at least 60% alcohol.

4

They should be purchased, not homemade, to ensure the correct mixture.

Remember, hand washing prevents the spread of germs. If you want to avoid viruses, the best preventive action you can take is washing your hands frequently, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Download our free hand washing 101 infographic.

Get your free COVID vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine is a covered benefit for members, with no copay, when received from your plan medical group or a contracted pharmacy. For more information about COVID-19 vaccine types, vaccines for children, and other frequently asked questions, visit Sharp HealthCare’s FAQ.

Prepare for flu season

When you get care within your plan network, your flu shot is covered under your preventive care services at no cost. Get our tips to stay well and see where to get your flu shot.

Don’t miss important information on other National Health Observances

The key to staying healthy is prevention. That’s why we promote National Health Observances every month to help spread awareness and keep our members healthy. For more tips to feel your best, take a look at our articles on breast cancer awareness and prediabetes prevention.


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