Handwashing saves lives
Washing your hands properly with soap and water is one of the simplest but most important things you can do to prevent infection, protect your health and those around you.

“Diligent hand hygiene will always be one of the most important defenses all of us have to reduce the risk of catching all types of infections and becoming ill,” said Helen Arnold, MS-N, a director of infection prevention at Banner Health. “This is true whether in health care settings or out and about in the community.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), proper handwashing reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 30% and reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, the flu and COVID-19, by 20%. In addition, research shows it also helps prevent antibiotic resistance.