One of the best way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, influenza and other infectious diseases is by washing your hands. It can be easy for children (and adults) to forget what it takes to wash well.

Here are a few tips to clean up your hand-washing skills:

• Scrub your hands together with soap for 20 seconds using warm water. Cold water does not remove germs and oils as well as warm water. Oils on your hand can hold bacteria and germs.
• Sing the “ABCs” song twice to be sure you scrub long enough. The scrubbing motion with soap removes the germs.
• Don't forget to wash your thumbs, between your fingers, your finger tips, the backs of your hands and even around your wrists.

Download a flyer about proper hand-washing technique.

There are times that it’s especially important to wash hands:

• Before you eat
• After you sneeze or blow your nose
• After you play or are in a public place
• After you use the bathroom

Download a coloring sheet for children about hand-washing.

Other ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 and infectious diseases:

• Avoid contact with other people and practice social distancing
• Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing with your elbow
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects

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Related information:

• Don’t stop washing your hands!
• Science Saturday: The new super power of hand-washing
• Consumer Health: How’s your hand-washing technique?
• Taking care of your skin with increased hand-washing
• Mayo Clinic Minute: The proper way to wash your hands

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