According to the CDC, the single most important thing we can do
to keep from getting sick and spreading illness to others is to
clean our hands. Infectious diseases, many of which are spread
by unclean hands, remain the leading cause of death and disease
worldwide and the third-leading cause of death in the United
States. Washing hands with soap and clean water for 20 seconds
is a sensible strategy for hand hygiene in non-healthcare
settings and is recommended by the CDC and other experts. If
soap and clean water are not available, an alcohol-based hand
hygiene product is recommended. However, when hands are visibly
soiled, they should be washed with soap and water. According to
the CDC, there are more than 52 million cases of the common cold
each year among Americans under the age of 17. Nearly 22 million
school days are lost due to the common cold alone. Some viruses
and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on
surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks. Children
have about 6-10