National Hand washing Awareness Week is observed on December 5th-11th every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing can prevent 1 in 3 diarrhea-related illnesses and 1 in 5 infections, including the flu.

Personal hygiene begins and ends with our hands. Hand washing is one of the most important ways to prevent the spread of infection. It can also help protect you from getting sick with illnesses that are caused by germs. The CDC also estimates that hand washing could prevent up to 80% of these illnesses.

Hand washing can help prevent the spread of these diseases because it removes harmful bacteria from your hands before you touch other people or things. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, which is about as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Help protect ourselves and others from getting sick and spreading germs by remembering to wash your hands.