Five Minutes or Less for Health Weekly Tip: Wash Hands

Wash hands often to lower the risk of spreading germs and getting sick. Take 20 seconds to help protect yourself and others.

• Wash hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds.
• If soap and clean running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands.
• Wash hands:
  • before and after preparing or eating food
  • after using the bathroom
  • after changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
  • before and after tending to someone who is sick
  • after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • after handling an animal or animal waste
  • after handling garbage
  • before and after treating a cut or wound
  • more frequently when you or others around you are sick