Clean Your Hands

What to know

Clean hands help prevent infections.
a person washing their hands

Overview

Many diseases are spread by not cleaning your hands. This is especially dangerous when you're getting chemotherapy treatment because your body may not be able to fight off infections like it used to.

You and anyone who comes around you, including all members of your household, your doctors, and nurses, should clean their hands frequently. Don't be afraid to ask people to clean their hands. Use soap and water to wash your hands. If soap and water aren't available, it's OK to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Fight Germs. Wash Your Hands!

Handwashing is an important way to keep from getting sick and spreading germs to others. This video shows you how to wash your hands the right way.

When to clean your hands

Be sure to clean your hands:

  • Before, during, and after cooking food.
  • Before you eat.
  • After going to the bathroom.
  • After changing diapers or helping a child use the bathroom.
  • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • After touching or cleaning up after your pet.
  • After touching trash.
  • Before and after treating a cut or wound or caring for your catheter, port, or other access device.