DISEASE AND ILLNESS

Keeping your hands clean and drying them properly helps prevent the spread of illnesses.

Every day we come into contact with thousands of tiny germs that can make us sick. Keeping your hands clean helps prevent the spread of these germs to your mouth and to other people, and helps you and others to stay well.

When to wash your hands

It is important to wash your hands:

• before eating
• before preparing food
• before dressing a wound
• before looking after someone who is sick
• before giving medicine
• before putting in contact lenses
• after you have been to the toilet
• after changing a nappy
• after stroking or touching your pets or other animals.