Now that we are in the middle of cold and flu season, we're all trying to stay healthy. One way to prevent cold and flu germs is washing your hands, and this is "National Hand Washing Awareness Week".

Washing hands in sink
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Here's more about the importance of washing your hands to prevent cold and flu, according to HealthReach Community Health Centers:

National Hand Washing Awareness Week: December 4 - 10

According to the Centers for Disease Control, "the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash you hands." Judicious hand washing can prevent not only common diseases like colds, but also more serious diseases like hepatitis A, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea.

Why hand washing is important

Children have weaker immune systems than adults and can become sick quicker.

1 in 3 E.coli outbreaks is caused by poor hand washing by food preparers.

Germs that cause disease live in meat, vegetables, and more.

Germs are spread from unclean hands to food, usually when the food handler doesn’t wash after going to the bathroom. Germs are then passed on to those who eat the food.

6 Main Rules of Hand Washing

Always wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, cleaning up after your pets, or handling money.

Wash your hands when they’re dirty.

Always wash you hands before eating.

Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands.

Refrain from putting your fingers in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Avoid touching people and surfaces with unclean hands."

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