the advice you’ve probably heard dozens of times from your doctor -- wash your hands throughout the day -- really does prevent infections. warm water and soap will kill the germs but be sure you don’t rush. “i try to wash for 20 seconds -- sing ‘happy birthday’ to myself twice ” says nancy hughes ms rn director of the center for occupational and environmental health in silver spring md. she’s also careful after she washes. “i use a paper towel to dry my hands and to turn off the faucet especially in public bathrooms. ” no matter how clean they may be remember this: hands are veritable germ factories so keep them away from your nose and mouth. also keep them away from your food during cold and flu season. “i try to bring something i can eat with a spoon or fork rather than a sandwich i have to handle ” says sandra fryhofer md macp clinical associate professor at emory university school of medicine and a general internist in atlanta. “if you’re going to eat a sandwich put a tissue or paper towel around it. ”
will washing my hands regularly help me avoid catching a cold or flu?