Facts about hand hygiene What is it? Hand hygiene means cleaning your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub. Why is it important? Good hand hygiene is the most effective way to stop infections spreading. Many infections, such as the common cold and the flu, are caused by spreading germs from person to person. Even when your hands look clean they can still be carrying germs. This is because they are so small that you just can’t see them. This is why when we touch other people or objects we can spread germs without even realizing it. When to wash your hands You should wash your hands properly and often, especially: before, during and after preparing food after going to the toilet or changing a nappy after you blow your nose, sneeze or cough when your hands are visibly dirty after smoking after handling or patting animals before and after taking care of someone who is sick when you enter and leave a healthcare facility. How to wash your hand...