[custom_adv] Handwashing can help prevent illness. It involves five simple and effective steps (Wet, Lather, Scrub, Rinse, Dry) you can take to reduce the spread of diarrheal and respiratory illness so you can stay healthy. [custom_adv] Regular handwashing, particularly before and after certain activities, is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick, and prevent the spread of germs to others. [custom_adv] It’s quick, it’s simple, and it can keep us all from getting sick. Handwashing is a win for everyone, except the germs. [custom_adv] Learn more about when and how to wash your hands, the importance of using soap and water, and what you can do if soap and clean, running water are not available. [custom_adv] Whether you are at home, at work, traveling, or already sick, find out how good hand hygiene can protect you, your family, and others. [custom_adv] Washing your hands is easy, and it’s one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can stop germs from spreading from one person to another and throughout an entire community—from your home and workplace to childcare facilities and hospitals. [custom_adv] You can infect yourself with these germs by touching your eyes, nose or mouth, or spread them to others. Although it's impossible to keep your hands germ-free, washing your hands frequently can help limit the transfer of bacteria, viruses and other microbes. [custom_adv] Antibacterial soaps, such as those containing triclosan, are no more effective at killing germs than is regular soap. Using antibacterial soap might even lead to the development of bacteria that are resistant to the product's antimicrobial agents — making it harder to kill these germs in the future.