(HealthDay News) -- Washing hands helps prevent the spread of germs, and should be done frequently.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says hand washing should be required at these specific times:

• Before you begin preparing food, during preparation and after preparing food.
• Before you eat.
• Before and after you help a sick person.
• Before you care for a wound or cut, and again after.
• After you use the toilet, change a diaper or help a child use the toilet.
• After you cough, sneeze or blow your nose.
• After you handle animal waste or an animal, or pet treats/food.
• After you handle trash.