• Stay home when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

• Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. For more guidance see the CDC: When and How to Wash Your Hands. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.

Washing your hands is easy, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs.

When should you wash your hands? Washing your hands is easy, and it is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. You can help yourself, your loved ones, and your community stay healthy by washing your hands often.

• Before, during, and after preparing food

• Before 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

Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way: Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals. Follow these five steps every time:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. (Don’t forget your thumbs!)

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Washing hands is the most effective way to clean your hands. If you are unable to wash your hands, you can use a hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol content.

How to use hand sanitizer:

1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

2. Rub your hands together.

3. Rub gel over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry (around 20 seconds).