Washing your hands properly is one of the most important health practices. A quick reminder of how to use soap correctly.

WHAT DO HANDS CARRY?

Unwashed hands carry many germs, viruses or toxic elements that travel between toilet seats, chemicals, computer keyboards, telephones, door handles and appetizer bowls...

WHAT CAN I CATCH WITH DIRTY HANDS?

Germs can cause illnesses from the most benign to the most serious: flu, gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, food poisoning, hepatitis...

WHEN SHOULD I WASH MY HANDS?

You should wash your hands before and after:

• Going to the toilet.
• When you cook.
• When you touch raw foods (meat, fish, etc.).
• When you fill the refrigerator.
• When you sit down to eat, and even more so if you eat fries, a chicken leg, a sandwich or, for example, an African dish with your fingers.
• When you change your baby's diaper.
• When you touch a wound, when you put on a bandage...
• When you visit a sick person.

AFTER...

• Blowing your nose.
• Sneezing.
• Touching dirt.
• Cleaning the cat litter...

HOW TO WASH YOUR HANDS PROPERLY?

Remove your rings and bracelets.

Use lukewarm water if possible and soap. Lather between your fingers, on the palm and back of your hand and up to your wrists for about thirty seconds. Remember, when they are dirty, to brush your nails, which are best kept very short.

After rinsing properly, dry your hands with a blow dryer in public places or a disposable tissue.

At home, always have clean towels, not to be confused with the dishcloth.

If there is no water point, take a hydro-alcoholic bactericidal solution with you.

I wash my hands regularly and properly

Make sure your nails are clean:

• brush them regularly with soap to avoid making them a breeding ground for bacteria.