Hand Washing: It is something a lot of us just do automatically. However, some scientists estimate up to 80 percent of all infections are transmitted by hands, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC considers handwashing the single important thing you can do to help prevent the spread of infection and to stay healthy and well. Handwashing is considered very important in helping prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus.

Here is a quick review of how we need to wash our hands:

1. Wet your hands with Warm, running water.

2. Add soap and rub hands together, front and back, between fingers and under nails for about 20 seconds. (Or sing Happy Birthday, Row, Row Your Boat or the Alphabet Song)

3. Rinse, dry hands with a clean paper towel.

4. Turn off water with used paper towel before throwing it away.

When should you wash your hands?

1. Before and after handling food or eating.

2. After using the bathroom or changing diapers.

3. After sneezing, blowing your nose or coughing.

4. After touching a cut or open sore.

5. After playing outside with pets.

Source: Nebraska Cooperative Extension Center for Disease Control