5 Hand-Washing Mistakes That Can Expose You to Norovirus or the Flu, Doctors Say

It's that time of year when many of us are laid low with various viruses as we patiently (or perhaps not-so-patiently) await warmer weather. Once we're able to open our windows to let the spring breeze in and socialize outdoors instead of being cooped up, it will help reduce our risk of getting sick. But in the meantime, being a stickler about hand-washing may help you avoid nasty bugs like norovirus (which is currently running rampant in the U.S.) and the flu.

Everyone knows how to wash their hands, right? If we didn't get the message in kindergarten, then surely we know the drill after living through the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet, experts say many of us are still skipping steps and cutting corners when it comes to hand hygiene.

Best Life asked doctors and other healthcare pros to share their best tips on hand-washing, and to tell us what mistakes they see people make most often. Read on to find out whether you're guilty of any of them—and then go wash your hands so you can stay healthy as you ride out these last days of frigid temps and flurries.

READ THIS NEXT: This Common Bathroom Habit Is a "Disaster" for Your Teeth, Dentist Warns.