Although many people may wash their hands after using a public restroom, they might not at home. A new study suggests that washing your hands at home can impact your family’s risk of getting sick and stopping the spread of viruses like the flu. Researchers also emphasized the importance of cleaning the most germy surfaces—doorknobs, bathroom faucets and toilet flush handles—as often as possible and lathering up after coming into contact with them.
The study’s authors noted that the timing of hand washing was important as well. In addition to the obvious—after using the restroom, sneezing and coughing—they suggest other crucial times: changing diapers, cleaning up after pets, touching garbage cans, cleaning cloths, cutting boards, dish rags and utensils that may have come into contact with raw food.
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