Handwashing to Prevent Infection in Kids

Proper handwashing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs and infections – especially for children undergoing cancer treatment. At OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, we emphasize the importance of good hand hygiene for protecting your child’s health.

Why Handwashing Is So Important

Hands can easily pick up germs from surfaces, people or pets. When these germs enter the body, through the mouth, nose, or eyes, they can cause infections or sickness. Children with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable to these infections, making handwashing a crucial daily habit.

When to Wash Your Hands

Wash hands thoroughly in the following situations to reduce the risk of spreading germs:

  • Before and after preparing or eating food
  • After using the bathroom or changing diapers
  • After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
  • After petting animals or cleaning up pet waste
  • After playing outside or returning home from school or public places like, like the grocery store
  • Before and after caring for someone who is sick

When you don’t have access to soap and water, you should wash your hands using an alcohol-based gel or foam sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to kill germs. These products can be bought at any drug store or grocery store.

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Follow these steps to wash hands effectively:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold).
  2. Apply soap and lather well, covering all surfaces of the hands, including backs, between fingers and under nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice).
  4. Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water.
  5. Dry your hands completely using a clean towel. Turn the faucet off using the towel so that you don’t get any germs from touching the faucet.

Using Hand Sanitizer When Soap and Water Are Not Available

If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

  • Apply enough sanitizer to cover all surfaces of your hands.
  • Rub your hands together until dry, including between fingers and around nails.
  • Note: Hand sanitizer is effective against many germs but does not remove all types, such as certain chemicals or spores, so soap and water are preferred when possible.

Explore More Ways to Protect Your Child from Infection

Get additional information on infection prevention to keep your child safe during cancer treatment. From handwashing tips to managing illness at home, these resources provide practical advice tailored to your family’s needs.

Infection Risks for Kids with Cancer

Understand the increased infection risks during cancer treatment.

Preventing Infection at Home

Learn practical steps you can take at home to reduce your child’s risk of infection during cancer treatment.

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