MONROE — With students back to school, SSM Health experts are encouraging families to make hand hygiene a priority.

“Regular hand-washing remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to help prevent the spread of germs in classrooms and at home,” said SSM Health Monroe Hospital Certified Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Christina Hendrickson.

Studies have shown that people unknowingly touch their faces dozens of times each hour. Because the eyes, nose and mouth are common entry points for germs, hand hygiene plays an important role in reducing the spread of illness.

“Busy school environments where students share common spaces make it easy for illnesses to spread,” Hendrickson said. “It isn’t possible to avoid germs completely, but proper hand-washing can significantly reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses.”

Washing hands with soap and clean, running water is an effective way to remove germs. The complete process takes about 40 to 60 seconds and should be a routine part of daily life.

There are five steps to effective hand-washing.

● Wet your hands with clean, running water, turn off the faucet and apply soap.

● Lather your hands by rubbing them together with soap, making sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails.

● Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.

● Rinse thoroughly under clean, running water.

● Dry your hands with a clean towel or allow them to air-dry.

When soap and water are not available, a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used as an alternative.

“Hand sanitizer is a good option on the go, but handwashing remains the best defense because it removes many germs as well as dirt and grime,” Hendrickson said.

If viruses and germs do make their appearance after school begins, be sure to be prepared. Learn more today about the convenient virtual and in-person care options that SSM Health offers near you.