Saving lives and fighting illness happens every day at our Wellstar healthcare facilities, but we can all do our part to keep ourselves and our loved ones healthy. When you focus on the wellness of your world—yourself, family and friends—you can help stop the spread of disease in our community.
Proper hand hygiene can reduce the spread of illnesses including COVID-19, flu, RSV and norovirus. Bacteria on your hands could increase your chances of getting sick or prolong recovery, so it’s important you wash your hands often.
When to clean your hands
- Before preparing or eating food
- Before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- Before and after changing a wound dressing or bandage
- After using the restroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
How to clean your hands
- If using hand sanitizer: Rub your hands together for about 20 seconds until they feel dry. It’s important to note that hand sanitizer is not as effective against norovirus as washing with soap and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- If using soap and water: Use a nickel- or quarter-size amount of soap and warm water. Wash both sides of your hands, in between your fingers and under your fingernails. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, then rinse them off. Dry your hands with a paper towel, and use the paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door if needed.
If you do get sick, you can count on Wellstar for expert care. You have several options for treatment, including pharmacies, a virtual visit, your primary care professional, an urgent care center or an emergency department. Learn more about each type of care and where to go for your health needs at wellstar.org/knowwheretogo.