The Correct Way to Wash Hands: Your Best Defense Against the Flu

December 05, 2024

Every flu season, millions of people fall ill due to a virus that spreads faster than many realize. While vaccines and good health practices play a critical role in protection, one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the flu often goes overlooked: proper handwashing.

The flu virus can linger on surfaces for hours, waiting for an unsuspecting hand to carry it to your nose, mouth, or eyes. By mastering the correct handwashing technique, you can break this chain of transmission and drastically reduce your risk of getting sick—or spreading the flu to others.

In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the best handwashing practices to keep you and your loved ones healthy. From when to wash your hands to why it matters, you’ll learn everything you need to know to make this flu season safer for everyone.

How Does Handwashing Prevent the Flu?

Handwashing is your first line of defense against the flu, and here’s why: the flu virus spreads through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or touches a surface. These droplets can linger on doorknobs, countertops, or even your phone for hours—ready to transfer to your hands.

Once on your hands, the virus has a direct path to your body when you touch your face, especially your nose, mouth, or eyes. But with proper handwashing, you can break this chain of transmission.

The Science Behind Handwashing

Soap doesn’t just remove visible dirt—it works on a molecular level to break apart the outer layer of flu viruses and other germs, rendering them inactive. The friction created while scrubbing loosens germs and viruses from your skin, allowing water to wash them away.

Key Benefits of Handwashing for Flu Prevention

Reduces Virus Count: Proper handwashing significantly lowers the number of flu viruses on your skin.
Stops Cross-Contamination: Clean hands prevent spreading the virus to surfaces, food, or other people.
Minimizes Face Touching Risk: When your hands are clean, touching your face is less likely to result in infection.

Handwashing is more than a habit—it’s a powerful tool to protect yourself and others during flu season. Next, we’ll walk you through the exact steps to ensure your handwashing is as effective as possible.

The 7 Steps to Proper Handwashing

While handwashing is often seen as a mundane daily habit, few realize that perfecting this simple act can be a game-changer during flu season. Each step plays a critical role in dislodging flu-causing viruses and bacteria, especially from areas of your hands that are often overlooked. Here’s how to wash your hands with precision and purpose:

1. Wet Your Hands Completely

Think of water as the primer—it sets the stage for effective handwashing by loosening dirt and preparing your skin for soap. Use lukewarm water for comfort and to prevent skin irritation. Avoid hot water, as it can strip your skin of essential oils, making it more prone to cracking—a potential entry point for germs.

2. Choose and Apply Soap Thoughtfully

Not all soaps are created equal, but for most situations, any soap will do. Skip antibacterial soaps unless you work in healthcare, as they don’t offer additional protection against the flu virus. Instead, choose soaps with moisturizing properties if you’ll be washing frequently during flu season to protect your skin’s barrier.

3. Create a Lather with Purpose

Rub your palms together, but don’t stop there. Many people think a good lather is just about creating foam, but it’s actually about friction. Friction is the key to dislodging flu viruses from your skin, especially in areas where they tend to linger, like the creases of your hands.

4. Target Overlooked Areas

Certain spots are “hot zones” for germs but often get ignored. Pay special attention to:

The back of your hands: Interlace your fingers and scrub to reach these hidden areas.
The webbing between your fingers: This thin, often-missed skin is a favorite hiding spot for germs.

5. Focus on the Germ Magnets: Thumbs and Fingernails

Your thumbs and nails are among the dirtiest parts of your hands. Flu viruses often gather under your nails or cling to your thumbs from frequent use (think texting or gripping objects).

Clean your thumbs by rotating the opposite hand around each thumb.
Rub your fingertips in circular motions on your palms to dislodge dirt and viruses trapped under your nails.

6. Rinse with Intention

Let the water carry away not just soap, but also germs and dirt that have been loosened during scrubbing. Move your hands deliberately to ensure all surfaces are fully rinsed. Don’t rush—soap residue left behind can irritate your skin and attract new germs.

7. Dry Your Hands Thoroughly and Mindfully

While drying seems like an afterthought, it’s a critical final step. Germs spread more easily on wet skin, so take the time to dry your hands completely with a clean towel or paper towel. If you’re in public and no towel is available, air dry, but ensure your hands are no longer damp before touching surfaces.

How Long Should You Wash Your Hands?

Handwashing should take at least 20 seconds, but here’s something unique: instead of relying on “Happy Birthday” as a timer, think of this time as your flu defense ritual—a mindful moment to focus on your health. You can recite a favorite mantra, list three things you’re grateful for, or even hum a tune you enjoy. This mental shift can make handwashing less of a chore and more of a self-care practice.

The flu doesn’t just strike out of nowhere—it often spreads through everyday actions like touching your face after handling contaminated surfaces. But the good news is that something as simple as proper handwashing can be your most effective shield against this highly contagious virus.

By mastering the 7-step handwashing technique, you’re doing more than just cleaning your hands—you’re breaking the flu’s chain of transmission, protecting not just yourself but everyone you come into contact with.

If you or a loved one are experiencing flu symptoms, schedule an appointment with one of our primary care locations or Express Care.