October 15th is Global Handwashing Day! Handwashing is the first line of defense against the spread of easily spread (communicable) diseases like the common cold and flu. Regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, avoid getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to others. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can keep us all from getting sick, especially during flu season.

Germs can pass to your hands by touching an object that someone coughed or sneezed on or was previously touched by some other contaminated object. When these germs get onto hands and are not properly washed off, they can easily spread from person to person. Poop (feces) from people or animals is an important source of germs like Salmonella, Escherichia coli, and stomach (gastrointestinal) illnesses like norovirus, and respiratory infections like adenovirus, and hand foot and mouth disease. These germs can get onto hands after using the bathroom but also in less obvious ways, like after handling raw meats that have invisible amounts of animal poop on them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a single gram of human feces—which is about the weight of a paper clip—can contain one trillion germs.

Follow these simple steps from the CDC for the most effective hand wash:

1. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
2. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
3. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
4. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Many diseases are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. The chemicals present in soap help break down oils on your hands and under your fingernails that can harbor microbes. Soap also encourages scrubbing with further removes germs from the skin's surface.  According to the CDC, hand-washing with soap could prevent about 1 out of every 3 episodes of diarrheal illness and nearly 1 out of 6 episodes of respiratory infections when done properly. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. But remember, hand sanitizer is not a replacement for regular handwashing.

Don’t forget it’s currently flu season and the best way to prevent the spread of the flu in addition to hand washing is by getting a flu shot. For more information about receiving the flu shot go to health.gatech.edu/flu.