Hand washing can reduce risk of catching a cold ; not as helpful against infection . The rhinovirus , on the other hand , which causes the common cold , can live quite nicely on someone 's hand . H1N1 virus not stable on hand ; instead it thrives in droplets of water . Any airborne particles , from cough or sneeze , results in a bigger dose of infection . Regardless , washing hand ` ` really is wonderful '' for preventing many diseases .
Hand washing can reduce risk of catching a cold ; not as helpful against infection . H1N1 virus not stable on hand ; instead it thrives in droplets of water . Any airborne particles , from cough or sneeze , results in a bigger dose of infection . Regardless , washing hand ` ` really is wonderful '' for preventing many diseases .