Does hand washing really work? How does hand washing help?

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection and illness, especially the flu. 

Clean hands prevent infections. Keeping hands clean prevents illness at home, at school, and at work. Hand hygiene practices are key prevention measures in healthcare settings, in child care facilities, in schools and public institutions, and for the safety of our food.

In healthcare settings, hand hygiene can prevent potentially fatal infections from spreading from patient to patient and from patient to healthcare worker and vice-versa. 

Last Reviewed: 08/22/2011

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• Preventing the Flu