Washing your hands is one of the simplest, most effective ways to keep you and your family healthy. It takes only 20 seconds – and it’s the easiest way to reduce the spread of germs that can lead to illness.

Almost everyone should know how to properly wash their hands, but it’s also important for kids and those working in public spaces. Teaching children to wash their hands before and after coughing or sneezing, as well as before eating can drastically cut down on the spread of sickness in daycare centers, schools and at home.

Helps prevent stomach-related and respiratory illnesses: Proper hand washing with antibacterial soap can prevent more than 30 percent of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. It also helps combat the rise of antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics are often unnecessarily prescribed for these infections, which in many cases are caused by viruses.

It keeps your workplace healthy: People who don’t wash their hands before and after work may share sick germs with each other, making them more likely to catch a cold or flu virus when they come into contact with other people. In a workplace setting, it’s also critical to wash your hands after touching shared objects such as doorknobs, keyboards and other equipment.

Lowers survival rate for lingering bacteria: Bacteria are masters at staying alive, and they can thrive on your hands even after you’ve stopped touching them. This can make it more difficult for your body to fight off the illness.