As the influenza virus continues to spread across the United States, many people are rushing out for the flu vaccine. With 47 states now reporting to be in the midst of the widespread virus, drugs stores are running short or out of the vaccine altogether.
With the CrossFit Open just weeks away on March 6, the last thing you need is to get caught up with this virus. So despite the fact you may have to wait to get your shot, there are still some very basic things you can do to prevent yourself from catching the flu.
One such thing is making sure you wash your hands properly. Sure, you’ve heard it all before but many of us simply forget or don’t do it as well as we should.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have some very basic steps we should all follow on how to wash your hands:
What is the right way to wash your hands?
1. Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold) and apply soap.
2. Rub your hands together to make a lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Continue rubbing your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry.
Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to reduce the number of germs on them. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs.
Hand sanitizers are not effective when hands are visibly dirty.
How should you use hand sanitizer?
1. Apply the product to the palm of one hand.
2. Rub your hands together.
3. Rub the product over all surfaces
Still confused? Watch the video below for more information.
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