Washing your hands is one of the most important ways to prevent spreading disease to yourself and others. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and running water:

• after using the bathroom

• after changing diapers

• before preparing food or eating food

• after handling or touching pets or their cages

• after blowing your nose or sneezing or coughing

Be sure to wash your hands, including your fingernails, using friction to cover all the surfaces of your hands. Use soap and warm, running water. The use of a soap dispenser is preferred over bar soap. Dry your hands with a paper towel or single-use towel and dispose properly.

For hand washing guidelines you may want to try these sites:  www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/Guide/guide.htm