Washing your hands is the best way to avoid getting sick—and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommends following these steps to do it right:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), and turn off the tap before applying soap.

2. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song twice from beginning to end.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel, or air dry them.

If soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitzer containing at least 60% alcohol will do the trick.

But keep in mind it may not be as effective. 

To prevent the spread of germs, you should wash your hands before AND after:

• Preparing food

• Eating food

• Caring for someone who is sick, including someone vomiting or with diarrhea

• Treating wound—even just putting a bandage on a paper cut

Additionally, please wash your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, interacting with an animal or handling their food, or blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.

Visit this page on the CDC's website for more information and FAQs about proper hand hygiene.