Wash your hands

Handwashing is the single most effective way to stop the spread of germs.

When should you wash your hands?

• Before preparing, handling, serving or eating food
• After using the toilet
• After you cough, sneeze or blow your nose
• After touching pets or other animals

Handwashing is particularly important if someone in the home is sick.

Here's how to wash your hands:

• Wet your hands with water
• Add soap and rub hands together, scrubbing all surfaces for about 15 seconds
• Rinse hands and dry them well
• Use waterless hand cleansers (hand sanitizers) if soap and water are not available