Germs are microbes that live in the air, on food, in plants and animals and stick to surfaces (Mayo Clinic).

Our immune system fights against these infectious agents to prevent us from getting sick.

These agents include: bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoans, and helminths.

• Before, during, and after preparing food (CDC)

• Before and after eating food

• After using the toilet

• After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing

• After touching garbage

• etc.

1. Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands (CDC)

2. Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands

3. Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them

4. Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands, and then touch other people’s hands or common objects

• Wet your hands (CDC)

• Lather your hands with soap

• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds - get the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails

• Rinse your hands well

• Dry your hands - you’re done!

Hand sanitizers with 60% alcohol are good to use and can get rid of germs quickly, but don’t depend on them! They don’t get rid of all types of germs, aren’t as effective for greasy or visibly dirty hands, and can’t remove harmful chemicals (CDC).