Protecting yourself from germs in the bathroom

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

How Germs Spread

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:

• Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands
• Touch a contaminated surface or objects
• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

• Toiletries should be stored away from the toilet or in a tightly closed container.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after using the restroom every time.
• Avoid using hand dryers and use paper towels instead.
• Clean the bathroom and its fixtures regularly with appropriate bathroom cleaning products.
• The lid should be closed before flushing the toilet to prevent the spread of microorganisms.

Things to do . . for good hygiene

1. Wash your hands before entering the house and during your daily life at home.
2. Wash your hands when receiving parcels and after unpacking them.
3. Wash your hands before and after eating.
4. Separate personal items such as toothbrushes, towels, and clothes. Do not mix them together.
5. Take a shower and wash your hair after returning from a crowded place, then put on new clothes.
6. Put used clothes in a laundry basket for washing. Do not reuse them or leave them in a mess.
7. Use your own plates, bowls, and spoons. Do not share food.
8. Always pour food you buy or order into your own dishes at home. You should not eat food straight from the packages or boxes that the restaurant uses to deliver it. Using your own containers, spoons, and forks at home can help reduce the risk of infection. Always reheat food before eating.
9. Separate waste into the correct categories, especially infectious waste such as tissue paper, toilet tissue paper, used face masks, and disposable gloves. Tie them in a bag and throw them in a hazardous waste bin, do not mix them with general waste.