HSHS Medical Group Health library Health library Back to health library Search health library Search Explore topics Handwashing: A good defense against disease Regular handwashing can help you avoid illnesses like the flu. Another important step? Getting the flu vaccine every year. Find out if you're on the list of people for whom the vaccine is especially important. Reviewed 9/9/2022 Related stories Featured Topics Cancer prevention Heart attack Heart health Quick Links Health tools Recipes Infographics