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How does washing hands protect us from spreading COVID-19?

Infections occur mainly through exposure to respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks near someone who doesn’t have COVID-19. While it is not common for COVID-19 to spread from surfaces, these respiratory droplets can land on high-touch surfaces and spread. Other viruses, such as influenza, also can spread in this way. Washing our hands helps prevent viruses (and bacteria) from causing infections.

Answered by Dr. Rachael Lee, MD.