Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections from one person to the next. Germs can spread from other people or surfaces when you:

• Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands.
• Touch a contaminated surface or objects.
• Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people’s hands or common objects.
  

Key Times to Wash Hands:

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

• Before, during, and after preparing food.
  Before and after eating food.
  Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or 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.

Please download the following Wash your Hands Posters: