42nd Medical Group tips - Hand washing prevents infections Published Aug. 28, 2009 By Senior Airman Ivan Forero 42nd Medical Group MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Clean hands are the best way to prevent infection and illness at home, school, and work - and best of all, it is simple. It is best to wash your hands with soap and warm, running water for 20 seconds. However, if soap and warm water are not available, use an alcohol-based product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs are fast-acting and significantly reduce the number of germs on skin. When should you wash your hands? You should wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the restroom, after changing a child's diaper, as well as before and after tending to someone who is sick. Other occasions where hand washing is called for include after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after contact with an animal or animal waste; after handling garbage or before and after treating a cut or wound. Remember, hand washing practices are important prevention measures in daycare facilities, schools, and public institutions and for food safety. If we all practice these quick and simple hand washing tips, we can prevent infection and illness, not just for ourselves, but for others around us. Editor's note - Due to the concern of novel H1N1 influenza (Swine flu) and the approaching flu season, the 42nd Medical Group is offering tips to prevent infection.