Catching the bug that's "going around" — whether it's stomach flu, Influenza A or the common cold — is unpleasant and inconvenient. But you can avoid extra visits to the doctor and unnecessary time away from work with just one easy step. According to the Centers for Disease Control, hand washing is the best way to prevent infection and illness.

Hand washing — it works!

The power of hand hygiene was discovered over 150 years ago by a physician working in a maternity ward. Today, it's still our most powerful tool against spreading and contracting illness.

After being touched by an infected person, surfaces like doorknobs and desks can spread cold and flu viruses for a shocking 2-8 hours. That means public spaces like restrooms and cafés are bacteria and virus breeding grounds. But by properly washing your hands, you can prevent infection from every type of flu — and even the common cold.

Perfect your hand washing technique

The trick to preventing illness is washing your hands in the right way, and at the right times.

1. Wet your hands thoroughly, add a squirt of soap, and lather every part of both hands.
2. Rub your hands together for 15-20 seconds — or the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
3. Rinse your hands off under running water.
4. Dry your hands using a paper towel or air dryer.
5. Use the paper towel or the back of your hand to turn off the faucet.

It's important to wash your hands:

• Before and after preparing food.
• Before eating.
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• After using the restroom.

Create a hygiene habit

Educate yourself, and take these necessary steps to avoid illness:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. If germs from your hands come into contact with your mucous membranes, you can become infected with any cold or flu viruses you've unknowingly been carrying.
• According to the CDC, young children are at higher risk of flu-related complications. During learning or play, children spread and catch illness especially easily. Keep your children or young relatives healthy and safe, particularly during cold and flu season, by teaching them proper hand-washing techniques.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are fast-acting, portable and proven effective at reducing the number of germs on your skin. Keep a hand sanitizer with you during cold and flu season, and you can easily reduce your risk of illness.
• Soaps that are labeled as "antibacterial" are no more effective than ordinary soap — and according to the National Institutes of Health, they may breed antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. So stick with ordinary soap, and follow proper hand-washing techniques.
  

Stay healthy in every season with one simple step. Good hand hygiene is easy and effective.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov)
National Institutes of Health (www.nih.gov)

Suggested hand-washing products

• Top Care^® Foaming Hand Soap — in assorted varieties and scents
• Top Care^® Antibacterial Hand Soap — in assorted varieties and scents
• Top Care^® Hand Sanitizer — for on-the-go cleaning
• Top Care^® 40-oz. Antibacterial Soap Refills — for your home, office or school
• Top Care^® Moisturizing Lotion — in assorted varieties and scents, to smooth and heal dry winter skin

Important Physician Advice Disclaimer: The content provided by Giant Eagle^®, including but not limited to, Web site, recipe and health information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your physician for professional guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under the age of 18, pregnant, nursing or have health problems.