Health habits.

With flu season in full swing, scientists say it's more important than ever to regularly wash your hands. But according to the 2006 Clean Hands Report Card, many Americans don't follow that advice.

Of the 1,008 people surveyed by the Soap and Detergent Association, 36 percent seldom or never wash their hands after coughing or sneezing. Failing to wash up can spread illness-causing microbes to other people. "Hand washing is the single most important thing a person can do to avoid passing illnesses to other people and to prevent themselves from getting sick," says Jennifer Morcone of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

LENGTH OF TIME THAT SURVEYED
AMERICANS WASH THEIR HANDS

To effectively wash germs from your hands, scientists at the
CDC recommend washing with soapy water for 20 seconds-roughly
the time it takes to sing "Happy Birthday" twice.
According to the 2006 Clean Hands Report Card, what percentage
of Americans wash their hands for longer than that?

10-15 seconds          33%
15-20 seconds          22%
More than 20 seconds   29%
Less than 10 seconds   13%
Don't know              3%

SOURCE: 2006 CLEAN HANDS REPORT CARD

Note: Table made from pie chart.