A LETTER FROM YOUR SCHOOL NURSE ON THE IMPORTANCE  OF 

HAND WASHING

TO PREVENT ILLNESS

Why is Hand Washing So Important?

	Hand washing is the first line of defense for infectious diseases and the single most important step to prevent infection/diseases.
	Proper hand washing has been proven to reduce the spread and prevention of colds, viruses and gastrointestinal illnesses.
	The virus that cause colds and flu are spread by hand to  hand contact and by droplets released in the air from sneezes and coughs.  This is why it is so important to wash your hands with soap and water.

        The best way to prevent the flu is by hand washing.

                **Hand washing prevention:  How to wash your hands:

Always use warm water

Wet your hands together before applying soap.

Rub your soapy hands together for at least 30 seconds.

Rinse your hands thoroughly to remove all soap.

Turn off water with a paper towel and dry hands with an air dryer or a new paper towel.

**Always wash hands before eating.  After using the bathroom, or when someone near you is ill.

Useful site  on Hand washing from the National Center for Infectious Diseases