Most illnesses are transmitted to infants by the hands; therefore regular hand washing is essential and is the single best way to avoid the spread of disease

Hand hygiene prevents the spread of disease and children need to wash their hands regularly throughout, as well as at special times like before eating.

Hand washing with soap and water is an important skill for children to learn because it prevents diseases and helps children develop independence and confidence.

How to protect yourself from flu, e-coli, measles and other diseases by washing your hands.

Hand hygiene refers to any method which effectively removes soil and any harmful germs.

Washing your hands with soap and warm water can help stop the spread of infectious diseases.

The 3 most effective ways of stopping the spread of childhood infections are: getting your children vaccinated; keeping them at home when they are sick; and careful hand washing.

Washing your hands is the most critically important thing you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19.

Our illustrated guide to personal hygiene for children covers hand-washing, bathing, toileting, cleaning teeth, blowing noses and more. Download or print.