“Keeping our hands clean is one of the best things we can do to keep from getting sick and avoid spreading germs to others,” said Dr. Richard Melchreit, Healthcare Associated Infections Coordinator.

Many infections such as the flu and conjunctivitis can be spread by not washing hands. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol to clean hands.

Do this before eating food, before and after caring for the sick, before and after treating a wound, after using the toilet, after changing diapers, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.