Washing your hands properly can prevent 1 in 3 diarrheal illnesses and 1 in 5 respiratory infections like the common cold or the flu. Hand washing is especially important when handling food and at other times when you are likely to get and spread germs. Protect yourself and your family by washing your hands at these key times:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- Before eating
- After handling pets, pet food, or pet treats
- After using the restroom or changing a diaper
- After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing into your hands
- After touching garbage
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick