Keeping hands clean helps to prevent illness at home, at school, and at work. The CDC reminds us that hand washing is a simple thing and it's one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others.

When washing hands with soap and water:

• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

If clean water and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast-acting.

When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:

• Apply product to the palm of one hand.
• Rub hands together.
• Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

By practicing good hand washing and sanitizing, we can help stop the spread of germs.