StraitTalk - November 2019

A Simple Way to Stay Healthy: Hand-Washing
Hand-washing is an easy way to prevent
infection. Frequent hand-washing is one
of the best ways to avoid getting sick and
spreading illness.
As you touch people, surfaces and objects
throughout the day, you accumulate germs
on your hands. You can infect yourself with
these germs by touching your eyes, nose or
mouth, or spread them to others. Although
it's impossible to keep your hands germfree,
washing your hands frequently can
help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses
and other microbes.
Always wash your hands before:
• Preparing food or eating
• Treating wounds or caring for a
sick person
• Inserting or removing contact lenses
Always wash your hands after:
• Preparing food
• Using the toilet, changing a diaper or
cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
• Touching an animal, animal feed or
animal waste
• Blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
• Treating wounds or caring for a
sick person
• Handling garbage
• Handling pet food or pet treats
• Also, wash your hands when they are
visibly dirty
It's generally best to wash your hands
with soap and water. Over-the-counter
antibacterial soaps are no more effective
at killing germs than regular soap.
Follow these steps:
• Wet your hands with clean, running water
— either warm or cold.
• Apply soap and lather well.
• Rub your hands vigorously for at least 20
seconds. Remember to scrub all surfaces,
including the backs of your hands, wrists,
between your fingers and under your
fingernails.
• Rinse well.
• Dry your hands with a clean towel or airdry
them.
Hand-washing offers great rewards in
terms of preventing illness. Adopting this
habit can play a major role in protecting
your health.
Sources: Health Canada, Mayo Clinic
You need to get vaccinated every year. - True
• Flu viruses change each year. Experts create a new vaccine to
protect you each flu season.
You can't get the flu from the flu shot. -True
• The viruses in the flu shot are either killed or weakened and
cannot give you the flu.
The flu shot is safe. - True
• The flu shot has benefited millions of Canadians since 1946.
• Most people don't have reactions to the flu shot; those who do
may have soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site.
• Severe reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare.
Everybody wins when you get vaccinated. - True
• If you do get the flu, the flu shot may reduce the severity of your
symptoms.
• By getting the flu shot, you protect yourself and others because
you are less likely to spread the flu.
• It's a simple action that can prevent complications and save lives.