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
Learn More
Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives
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Content Source: CDC Office
of Women’s Health
Page last modified: November 28, 2011
Page last reviewed: November 28, 2011
Page last modified: November 28, 2011
Page last reviewed: November 28, 2011