Wash your hands!

Washing your hands the right way can be the difference between staying home sick in bed and doing the things you love. 

Help prevent the spread of colds, flu, and other diseases by washing your hands with soap and water and scrubbing for at least 20 seconds each time. 

Wash Your Hands Often

Washing your hands at these key times during the day can significantly reduce the spread of germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After using the toilet

Promote Handwashing

You can promote handwashing during cold and flu season and throughout the year using these promotional materials from the CDC:

Download posters from the CDC showing the five steps of handwashing. Posters are available in:

English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Portuguese, Urdu, Bengali, and French

You can also visit the CDC website to:

• Order FREE posters. Display posters in highly visible public areas, such as school bathrooms, work areas, and restrooms.
• Distribute fact sheets. Share data and information about handwashing targeted for specific audiences.
• Print stickers and window or mirror clings. Use stickers and clings for a handwashing lesson where it matters - above the sink!

For more information about handwashing and how clean hands save lives, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.