HANDWASHING BOOTH

Handwashing is an inexpensive way to keep your family

healthy. Millions of germs are transferred through people not
washing their hands and touching public areas. Heres what
you can do to help your family stay sick-free.

Fun facts
Hand, Fingernails and the surrounding areas have the
most microorganisms
95% of the population state they wash their hands after
using public restrooms. When 8,000 people were
monitored across 5 large US cities, only 67% were found
to wash their hands
*Chicago topped the list @ 83% and New York was
the worst with less than half
A study showed that when a public bathroom was
overcrowded or understaffed, the rate of proper

handwashing decreasing to 45% of people using proper

handwashing techinique.
It is estimated that washing hands with soap and water
could reduce diarrheal disease-associated deaths by up
to 50% 1.
Researchers in London estimate that if everyone
routinely washed their hands, a million deaths a year
could be prevented 2.
A large percentage of foodborne disease outbreaks are
spread by contaminated hands. Appropriate hand
washing practices can reduce the risk of foodborne
illness and other infections 3.
Handwashing can reduce the risk of respiratory
infections by 16% 4.
The use of an alcohol gel hand sanitizer in the
classroom provided an overall reduction in absenteeism
due to infection by 19.8% among 16 elementary
schools and 6,000 students 5.

When to Wash your hands

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before eating food
Before and after caring for someone who is sick
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has
used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage

Materials
Glogerm, soap, water, blacklight/ UV light
At the booth the glogerm will be placed on the participants
hands and the participant will rub it like lotion over their
hands. The participant will then wash their hands as they
normally do, and place them under a black light. The light will
show where the participant did not wash properly and we will
instruct how to improve hand washing.
Hand Sanitizer at the booth for people to use

Handouts
Directions on how to properly wash hands (see below)
Possibly get a company to donate small individual packets of
hand sanitizer

How do I wash my hands properly?

Washing your hands properly takes about as long as singing
"Happy Birthday" twice, using the images below.

Resources

When Should You Wash Your Hands. (n.d) CDC website. Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
National Handwashing Awareness Week. (n.d). Retrieved from
http://www.healthcarecommunication.com/PublicRelations/Articles/Infographic_Fun_facts_abou
t_handwashing__7996.aspx
Clean Hands Protect Against Infection. (n.d). Retrieved from
http://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/
Hygiene Fast Facts. (n.d.) Retrieved from
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/hygiene/fast_facts.html

Flu Shot

Every year thousands of people become infected by the influenza

virus. Many people even die from the flu. To decrease your
chances of being infected, the flu vaccine is offered in many
places from doctor offices to pharmacies. It is up to you to choose
if youre going to receive it.

What is the flu vaccine and how can it help

me?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body about two

weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection
against infection with the viruses that are in the vaccine.

Who should get vaccinated?

It is beneficial for everyone to get vaccinated but young children
and the elderly are more susceptible to catching the flu. Other
people who are recommended to receive the vaccine are:

People who are at high risk of developing serious

complications (like pneumonia) if they get sick with the flu.
o
o

People who have certain medical conditions including

asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
Pregnant women.

People younger than 5 years (and especially those

younger than 2), and people 65 years and older.

A complete list is available at People Who Are at High

Risk of Developing Flu-Related Complications.

People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of
developing serious complications (see list above).
o

Household contacts and caregivers of people with

certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes,
and chronic lung disease.

Household contacts and caregivers of infants less than

6 months old.

Health care personnel.

Signs and symptoms of the flu

If you choose not to receive the influenza vaccine here are the
signs and symptoms to watch out for:
A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with
the flu has a fever)
A cough and/or sore throat
A runny or stuffy nose
Headaches and/or body aches
Chills
Fatigue
Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in
children)

Side Effects
Although there are side effects, that should not deter you
from receiving a flu vaccine. Some side effects include
soreness at the injection site, low grade fever and achy body.

Handouts
Local locations where you can receive the flu vaccine
Brochure reminding people about the facts of the flu vaccine
Resources
Key Facts About the Seasonal Flu Vaccine. CDC website. Retrieved
from http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/keyfacts.htm
Symptoms. Retrieved from http://www.flu.gov/symptomstreatment/symptoms/