It’s cold and flu season, so wash your hands

Hands should be washed hard for at least 20 seconds

Help avoid colds and flus by washing your hands properly. Photograph: Thinkstock
Help avoid colds and flus by washing your hands properly. Photograph: Thinkstock

Hand washing to get rid of germs takes some effort. It is recommended that you scrub hard for at least 20 seconds using soap and water. A good tip is to sing Happy Birthday to yourself twice while scrubbing, and do not forget to pay attention to between your fingers and under your nails.

The World Health Organisation offers some hand washing tips here and recommends using an alcohol-based hand rub if you do not have access to soap and water.