A simple thing like a handshake is a warm welcome to a friend - but it's also sometimes an invitation to germs.

In fact, your hands play a major role in the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause illness.

Think about the things you do each day that bring you in contact with germs - going to the washroom, handling raw meat, touching pets and taking out the garbage.

You may have touched food, a telephone, a door knob or money. The list is endless and so are the ways you can pick up and pass along bacteria and viruses that can make us sick.

Handwashing is the best way to prevent illness. It's not new, but it works because it removes dirt and germs before they can find their way into our bodies.

As more bacteria become resistant to antibiotics, proper handwashing is essential in protecting your health.

To make sure that you are washing your hands properly, use soap and water. Wet your hands.

Add soap and rub your hands vigorously together for 15 seconds. Rinse hands and dry with a clean towel, then turn off the tap with the towel.

It's the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps free and remove germs.

Also remember to keep nails short and clean, wash wrists and remove watches and jewelry when you wash your hands.

Alcohol-based gels and sanitizers (minimum 60 per cent alcohol) are also an option, but should only be used when your hands are not visibly soiled or dirty.

This is because they do not remove visible dirt.

You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores.

When using a gel or sanitizer, rub it on all surfaces of your hands until they are dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in the gel kills non-visible germs that cause colds and the flu.

When you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose or cough away from people around you.

Viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs can cause illnesses that can be spread from person to person when an infected person coughs or sneezes onto surfaces or people around them.

Always cough or sneeze into a tissue and then throw it away. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into the inside of your elbow or direct the cough away from people.

Make sure you wash or sanitize your hands after. Disinfect shared surfaces like your kitchen sink and counters daily.

(Cleaning with soap removes surface dirt and grime but disinfecting is needed to kill the germs.) Don't forget to disinfect your bathroom - including the doorknobs and faucet.

Regularly disinfect your desk and keyboard and avoid eating at your desk.

When you are sick, you could spread your illness to those you come in contact with.

Stay home from work if you are sick and keep your children home from school or daycare when they have cold or flu symptoms such as fever, runny nose, dry cough, tiredness and muscle aches.

One other action you can take to protect yourself and those around you is to get a flu shot. Each year, thousands of Ontarians fall ill with the flu, which can be spread to others with just one sneeze.

Some get severely ill, missing days of school, work or vacation and some even die. But much of the illness caused by flu can be prevented with a flu shot.

If you live, work or attend school in Ontario, it's free.

For more information about preventing the flu or for a list of free flu clinics in your area, call Your Health Connection at 721-7520 (1-877-721-7520) Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and speak with a public health nurse or check www.simcoemuskokahealth.org

- Dr. Colin Lee is one of Simcoe Muskoka's associate medical officers of health and an emergency physician.