There’s a correct way to wash your hands to avoid the flu

By the age of 60, most people know they need to wash their hands regularly to protect themselves against germs.

With another killer flu season expected to hit Australia this winter, health authorities are warning Aussies to do everything they can to protect themselves against nasty bugs that could turn deadly. Flu numbers are already at a six-year high in parts of Australia and while a vaccination is vital in protecting yourself against influenza, it’s important to maintain hygiene.

Because the flu is easily spread from germs from coughing and sneezing, it’s important to know that these germs can remain on your hands for an entire day if not washed correctly.

In the United Kingdom, where the flu season is winding down for another year, the National Health Service (NHS) released an instructional video that explains the proper technique to use to rid your hands of harmful germs.

“Washing your hands is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and others from illnesses such as food poisoning and flu,” the NHS said. “But what’s the best handwashing technique? Washing your hands properly should take about as long as singing ‘Happy Birthday’ twice (around 20 seconds).”

First, turn the tap on and cover your hands in water before using soap. Ensure that all parts of your hand are rinsed.

Next, lather the palm of your hand in soap and rub your hands together in a circular motion, ensuring that the soap reaches all parts of your hand. Given that we use our fingertips to use our phones, tablets and type on our computers, it’s important that the soap reaches them as well, including the spaced between each finger. Also try and clean as much of the fingernails as possible, as germs can easily make their way to these areas as well.

Be sure to give the palms of each hand a final clean, before thoroughly rinsing the soap under the water. Shake your hands off but leave the water running. Using a paper towel, dry your hands and then use the towel to turn off the tap. This will ensure you’re not infecting your clean hands with more germs.

While you may think there’s no harm in washing your hands in a dryer of a public bathroom, a Facebook user recently sparked a debate when she revealed how germ-ridden these dryers can really be. Nichole Ward, from California, wanted to show her friends and followers just how unhygienic the dryer was.

“Ok guys.. ready to have your mind blown?!” she asked. “This here, is what grew is a Petri dish after just a few days. I stuck the open plate in an enclosed hand dryer of a public bathroom for a total of 3 minutes. Yes 3 only.”

“DO NOT EVER dry your hands in those things again,” she said. “This is the several strains of possible pathogenic fungi and bacteria that you’re swirling around your hands, and you think you’re walking out with clean hands. You’re welcome.”

In most cases, the flu is most infectious in the first five days. Where possible, always try to sneeze or cough into a tissue and bin it as quickly as possible. Leaving it in your handbag or pocket could increase the chance of germs spreading further.

Last year’s flu season was one of the worst in Australia’s history, infecting more than 71,000 people across the country. The government will release a turbo-charged vaccine specifically for people over the age of 65. It will be available later this month and will be free of charge, however, standard vaccines will also be available for younger people.

It’s important to speak with your local GP or health professional about which injection is best to protect you. Last year, older Australians were typically hit hardest by the flu, while others found it particularly hard to shake their symptoms including chesty coughs, headaches, aching bodies and upset stomachs.

What do you think? Is this how you wash your hands? How do you best protect yourself against the flu?