Hand washing do’s and don’ts Updated: July 8, 2012 8:08AM Even
though it’s not yet cold and flu season, washing your hands
remains your best protection against annoying summer viruses,
infections and illnesses. Yet sometimes, frequent hand washing
slacks off during the warmer months. The vigilance of flu season
is past, so unless hands look dirty, such as after gardening or
opening a package of meat when grilling, people aren’t thinking
about germs. But hand washing is always a person’s best defense
against many organisms that cause illness. When should you wash?
Before touching your mouth, nose or eyes Before and after
preparing food or drinks After going to the bathroom After
changing a diaper or assisting a young child or elderly person
in the bathroom Before and after caring for the sick After
blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing After handling an
animal, animal feed or animal waste After exiting a animal
enclosure (such as a petting zoo), even if you did not touch an
animal After handing garbage Befor