Simple, regular handwashing is the fastest route to staying healthy. Keeping your hands clean is one of the best ways to keep from getting sick and spreading illnesses. Hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. You can spread certain "germs" (a general term for microbes like viruses and bacteria) casually by touching another person. You can also catch germs when you touch contaminated objects or surfaces and then you touch your face (mouth, eyes, and nose). The common cold virus for example can remain infective even if it is outside the body for a few hours. You can catch a cold if you handle something that is contaminated with a cold virus and then stick your contaminated finger up your nose or rub your eyes. The cold viruses can reach the nose when you rub your eyes because the virus can be passed down the tear ducts that go from the eyes into the nasal cavities (more...). Good hand washing can also help prevent more serious illnesses such as meningitis, the 'flu, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhoea. You should wash your hands: Before eating After using the toilet After playing outside After handling pets Before and after touching someone who is sick To properly wash your hands: Turn on the water and use a generous amount of soap Lather soap and scrub for at least 15 seconds (the same length of time as it takes to sing a verse of Happy Birthday) Be sure to wash wrists and in between fingers Rinse soap off hands Dry hands with paper towel or hand towel Turn off tap with towel