Handwashing Basics
What should you use with water to wash your hands effectively?
Soap.
Can germs be present on hands that look clean?
Yes. Many microorganisms are invisible to the naked eye.
What is the name of the day celebrated globally to promote handwashing with soap?
Global Handwashing Day.
What is the first step in proper handwashing?
Wet your hands with clean running water.
Myth or Fact: Handwashing helps prevent the spread of illness.
Fact.
What is the recommended minimum time to scrub your hands with soap?
At least 20 seconds.
Can germs spread when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands?
Yes. Contaminated hands can transfer germs to the eyes, nose, and mouth.
What was the original main purpose of Global Handwashing Day?
To raise awareness and understanding of the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases.
After wetting your hands, what should you apply?
Soap.
Myth or Fact: A quick splash of water is always enough to clean your hands.
Myth. Proper handwashing requires soap, rubbing all hand surfaces, rinsing, and drying.
Why should you wet your hands before applying soap?
To prepare your hands for lathering and help spread the soap over the skin.
Give one example of how germs can spread from one person to another through hands.
Through handshakes, shared objects, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face.
On what date is Global Handwashing Day celebrated every year?
October 15
Which areas are often missed during handwashing: between the fingers or only the palms?
Between the fingers. All surfaces of the hands must be cleaned.
Myth or Fact: Hotter water always kills more germs and is required for handwashing.
Myth. Comfortable running water is suitable; proper technique matters, and excessively hot water can damage the skin.
Is rinsing with water alone as effective as washing with soap? Why?
No. Soap helps remove dirt, grease, and germs more effectively.
True or False: Wearing gloves means handwashing is no longer necessary.
False. Handwashing is still necessary before putting on and after removing gloves, as appropriate.
In what year was the first Global Handwashing Day celebrated?
2008.
Why should you clean your thumbs and fingertips carefully?
These areas are frequently missed during handwashing and can carry germs.
Myth or Fact: If your hands smell fine, they are definitely free of germs.
Myth. Smell cannot tell you whether your hands carry harmful microorganisms.
Why is rubbing your hands together important even when they look clean?
Friction helps loosen dirt and microorganisms from the skin.
Why can contaminated hands spread germs even if the person does not feel sick?
A person may carry and transfer microorganisms without showing obvious symptoms.
Who is known as the “Savior of Mothers” for promoting handwashing among doctors to reduce deaths from childbed fever?
Ignaz Semmelweis.
Arrange these steps in the correct order: Dry, Apply Soap, Rinse, Wet, and Rub All Hand Surfaces.
500 points) Myth or Fact: Hand sanitizer can always replace soap and water, even when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Myth. Soap and water are preferred when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.