Hand Washing Directory
Washing your hands -- you know you're supposed to do it, but do you know why? Hand washing helps prevent diseases such as colds, flu, and other infections including food poisoning. You should wash your hands after doing things like using the bathroom, after sneezing or coughing into your hand, handling raw foods, and more. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how hand washing benefits you and those around you.
Medical Reference
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Prevent Colds With Hand Washing
Discover how frequent hand washing can be the most effective means for cold prevention.
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Control Contagious Infections in Children
Some childhood illnesses can readily spread. Learn what you can do to try to keep that from happening.
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Stop the Spread of Cold and Flu Germs
Tips for preventing the spread of cold and flu germs; how to save yourself and protect others.
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How to Keep Your Immune System Healthy
Get tips on how to help keep your immune system healthy, so your body is better prepared to defend itself against illness.
Features
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6 Secrets of Super-Healthy People
Some people never seem to get sick. What are they doing that the rest of us aren’t? Learn their secrets.
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Stay Healthy: 6 Tips for Avoiding Cold and Flu
Avoid getting sick with tips from people whose jobs put them around a lot of germs
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Teach Your Kids to Avoid Colds and the Flu
Kids spread germs like it’s their job. But with these habits and a little fun, they can help themselves stay well.
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Tips for Preventing Kids' Colds and Flu
The top ways of keeping your kids from getting sick are washing hands and getting those flu shots.
Video
Slideshows & Images
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Slideshow: Wash Your Hands: The Dirtiest Places Kids Will Find
The dirtiest places your kids may play might be in your own house. See the biggest germs traps, both inside and away from the home.
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Slideshow: A Visual Guide to Enterovirus D68
Enterovirus D68 is usually mild, but children with asthma are among those who are more likely to have serious complications. Get the facts on what it is, what causes it, what the symptoms are, when to call a doctor, and how it's treated.
Quizzes
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Quiz: Do You Fall For Old Flu Myths?
Do you believe a flu shot can cause the flu? That you throw up with the flu? Take this WebMD quiz to find out just how much you know about influenza.
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How Much Do You Know About Spreading Germs?
Take this quiz to find out how much you know about spreading germs.
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Quiz: The Truth About the Common Cold
The common cold can be uncommonly troublesome. WebMD tests your knowledge on this persistent health enemy by testing you on cold symptoms, cold germs, and cold remedies.