The 20-second flu fighter

Flu season is in full swing, but there a few simple ways to keep the virus at bay.

The best way is to get your flu shot and make sure those around you have gotten theirs, too.

In addition to getting vaccinated, an easy and effective way to prevent the spread of the flu is to wash your hands.

When you wash your hands regularly and correctly, you reduce your risk of getting sick and prevent the spread of germs to other people around you.

Washing your hands the right way means more than running them under the faucet for a few seconds. Here’s how to do it:

• Wet your hands with clean water (warm or cold), turn off the faucet and apply soap.
• 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.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Sing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” from beginning to end or recite the ABCs in your head.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them, and use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and then throw it away.

Make sure to wash your hands:

• Before you eat. Also wash them before, during and after preparing food.
• After using the bathroom.
• After coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose or caring for someone who is ill.
• After taking out the trash.
• After petting animals.
• When visiting someone who is sick.
• Whenever your hands look or feel dirty.