Water, Sanitation, & Environmentally Relevant Hygiene (WASH)

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Hygiene refers to behaviors that can improve cleanliness and lead to good health, such as frequent handwashing, facial cleanliness, and bathing with soap and water. Many diseases can be prevented through proper hygiene practices, such as covering your cough and sneezes, washing hands after handling animals, and showering before you swim.

Coughing and Sneezing
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Help stop the spread of germs by covering coughs and sneezes.

Infant Feeding Hygiene
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Careful cleaning, sanitizing, and storage of baby bottles and breast pump parts can prevent germs from contaminating milk.

Handwashing
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Learn about key times to wash your hands, the five steps, and more information.

Hygiene Fast Facts
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Find the latest statistics on access to hygiene services and personal hygiene.

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Personal Hygiene
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Proper Hygiene Practices
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Infant Feeding and Diapering Hygiene
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Everyday Household Cleaning
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Public Health & Medical Professionals
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Publications, Data, Statistics
Cleaning & COVID-19
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Cleaning your home or facility regularly prevents the spread of germs.

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Page last reviewed: February 3, 2022
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention