I read an article that indicated that simple hand washing can prevent colds, influenza and food poisoning. Yahoo Health had an article that stated, especially in influenza season, you should wash your hands often and thoroughly. The following information was provided via the website.
When to wash your hands
Washing hands:
Often, especially during cold and flu (influenza) season, can reduce your risk of catching or spreading a cold or the flu.
Before and after preparing or serving food reduces your risk of catching or spreading bacteria that cause food poisoning. Be especially careful to wash before and after preparing poultry, raw eggs, meat, or seafood.
After going to the bathroom or changing diapers reduces your risk of catching or spreading infectious diseases such as salmonella or hepatitis A.
Wash your hands after:
Touching bare human body parts other than clean hands and clean, exposed parts of your arms.
Using the bathroom.
Coughing, sneezing, or using a handkerchief or disposable tissue.
Eating, drinking, or using tobacco (for example, smoking).
Handling soiled kitchen utensils or equipment.
Handling other soiled or contaminated utensils or equipment.
Handling or preparing foods, especially after touching raw meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, or eggs.
Changing diapers, handling garbage, using the phone, shaking hands, or playing with pets.
The Center of Disease Control also indicated that soaps and creams that are alcohol based are fast acting to kill germs. You can visit the Center of Disease Control here http://www.cdc.gov/cleanhands/