According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs and disease. It's an important step you can take to stay flu-free this season and healthy year-round!

In order to remove germs, it's important to wash your hands correctly using soap and warm water.

Here's how:

• First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Place the bar soap on a rack and allow it to drain.
• Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces, including fingernails, between fingers, thumbs, and the backs of your hands.
• Continue for 20 seconds or about the length of a little tune - try 'Happy Birthday'. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.
• Rinse well and turn off the water with a paper towel. Dry your hands with a clean towel, paper towel, or hot air dryer.
• An alternative to washing is to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply the sanitizer and rub vigorously until it is absorbed.

How often should I wash?

• Before, during, and after you prepare food
• Before you eat
• After you use the bathroom
• After handling animals or animal waste
• When your hands are dirty
• More frequently when you or someone in your home is sick

Want more information?

For more information on handwashing, visit
CDC's An Ounce of Prevention: Keep the Germs Away

Handwashing Promotion
Learn about handwashing, hand sanitizers, and colds & flu.