Health officials recommend that people wash their hands to help avoid catching H1N1 flu -- or any other flu -- but what is the best way to wash your hands?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, simply running your hands through some warm water isn't enough. It's best to wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and clear running water.

Warm water is preferred, and be sure to scrub all surfaces after lathering up. To be sure you're washing for at least 20 seconds, you can sing "Happy Birthday" to yourself twice.

Some preschools have children sing the alphabet to reach 20 seconds.

A report on National Public Radio also suggested the guitar intro from the rock song "Layla" or two choruses of "Hit The Road Jack" to get to 20 seconds.

When done scrubbing, rinse your hands well under running water. Then, dry your hands with a paper towel or air dryer. If possible, use your paper towel to turn off the faucet.

If there's no soap and water available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Apply it to the palm of one hand and then rub your hands together. Rub it over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are dry.

When To Wash Your Hands

• Before preparing or eating food
• After going to the bathroom
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the bathroom
• Before and after tending to someone who is sick
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After handling an animal or animal waste
• After handling garbage
• Before and after treating a cut or wound