With food industry associations and public safety organizations touting proper sanitary procedures as the best method for preventing the spread of hepatitis A, hand washing becomes the key to keeping the virus in check.
ds' worth of effort upon leaving a bathroom or area of potential contamination.
Her advice:
Use water and soap. Water temperature doesn't matter, but the time you take does. Lather and wash for about 15 seconds, making sure to clean nooks and crannies, as well as under the fingernails.
Rinse thoroughly under running water.
Dry with a clean paper towel or use a hot-air dryer.
Dispose of paper towel.
Some authorities also recommend that you use a paper towel to open the door because door handles harbor germs. Throw the towel away after you leave.
According to Gerberding, there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are any better than plain soap and water, and that simply getting into the habit of constant hand washing is the best practice.
