Maintain health and reduce the chances of getting sick by brushing up on this effective handwashing strategy. Follow through by using it, especially at key times outlined below.
Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates washing our hands correctly plays and important part in preventing illness including colds, flu, and COVID-19. Proper handwashing also reduces the risk of spreading germs to others.
Post Updated 2/6/2026
5 Easy Steps for Clean Hands
1. Wet hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Lather hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
3. Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds. Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice, for a fun way to keep track of time.
4. Rinse hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Key Times to Wash Hands
- Before,
during, and after preparing
food
- Before eating food
- Before
and after caring
for someone at home who is sick, and includes those who are coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or have diarrhea
- Before
and after treating
a cut or wound
- After
using
the toilet
- After changing diapers or cleaning up
a child who has used the toilet
- After
blowing
your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- After touching an
animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After
handling
pet food or pet treats
- After touching garbage
- After arriving home from outdoors
Handwashing isn't the only important element that contributes to our well-being.
Eating right, physical activity, adequate rest and sleep, and reducing stress improves overall health and wellness, and increases resilience during COVID-19 and beyond.
For additional ways to stay happy, healthy, and safe through the year, check out the links below.
Awesome Ways to Use Colors for Healing and Wellness
Journal Prompts to Ease Stress of Holiday Season
Bloom into Health Eat Color Rich Produce
Low Cost Colorful Ways to Create an Exercise Habit
Please share a few steps you've taken to stay healthy during flu season.
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