Cord Jefferson surprised me by writing an anti-soap screed, since he recently wrote an evidence-based explanation of why you should wash your hands every time you use the bathroom.

FORBES: Science and Skepticism: The Importance of Evidence-Based Health Tips

You should wash your hands for at least 15 seconds every time you are near - every time you come in contact with something that might possible have the germs on it.

NPR: Tracking a New Strain of Drug-Resistant Staph

But you may want to wash your hands afterward.

CNN: Dirty money? Check your wallet

It is hard to wash your hands when you are down to only one.

FORBES: Fact and Comment

Wash your hands, especially after you've been in public places and touched handrails, grocery-cart handles, and other frequently handled objects.

CNN: How to combat the latest supergerms

If you work in an office, make sure to wash your hands at regular intervals, especially after touching shared objects or surfaces like coffee pots, elevator buttons, the Xerox machine, office supplies, and doorknobs.

FORBES: How To Stay Safe From The Flu At Work This Year

Either way, when you are sick with a virus whether it is flu or norovirus, you should stay home, isolated yourself from others, wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of fluids, and watch our coverage of the outbreak on TV.

FORBES: Norovirus: The Bug That Is Presently Making So Many Of Us Sick

There are things you can do to minimise some risks such as have a flu jab, stay warm and wash your hands regularly.

BBC: Top ten Christmas health risks