You can pick up hidden germs at school every day: on the desk surfaces, water faucets, door handles, computer keyboards, computer mouse, pencil sharpeners and more.

Washing your hands will help to keep you healthy and will help you to avoid all kinds of tummy aches, skin and mouth infections.

When you wash your hands, you should wash them with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds. That's about the same time it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice!

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder; not into your hands.

Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing, after using the bathroom and before and after you eat.

What are germs? Germs are very small organisms, or living things, that can cause people to get sick. They are so small that you can't see them unless you use a microscope.

We are exposed to germs every day. Not all germs are bad. Some germs are harmless and can help keep us healthy. But certain germs - in the wrong place - can cause infections or stomach aches.

The best way to prevent illness from the germs is to clean your hands often!

Germs cannot live long on a clean, dry surface but they love moisture! Re-using damp cleaning cloths, towels and mops can spread germs quickly.

Bacteria can grow and divide every 20 minutes.

One single bacteria cell can become more than 8 million cells in less than 24 hours.

Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.

You should wash your hands after playing outdoors or touching animals, before you eat, after you use the bathroom, and after coughing or sneezing.

Tell friends at school about the importance of clean hands!

Tell a teacher if you see a friend who is sneezing, coughing and doesn't feel well.