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The swine flu vaccine is nearly impossible to get, so you need a second line of defense.

Experts say handwashing really makes a difference. We wanted to know: are people really following that advice?

To find out, we went to the Bradley Center for a preseason Bucks game. There were plenty of people eating, drinking, and spreading germs.

When you've got that many people cheering together, the obvious question is this: are they washing their hands?

We had our producer's daughter ask the question, figuring it's hard to be insulted by a six-year old.

We saw plenty of freshly-scrubbed hands. But will simple washing keep you from getting sick?

To find out, we interviewed Mary Rotar, the infectious disease nurse at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.

"Let's get back to the basics. The basics everyone can do are very simple, and that is to wash your hands," she advised.

Rotar also said hand sanitizers are very effective. "They don't take dirt off your hands but they inactivate organisms, bugs that are on your hands that you've picked up through out your day."

When you're at the sink, a quick swish through the water won't help. Make sure your kids use soap and scrub, because we all know kids can get lazy.

Elementary students put to a handwashing test failed in droves. "Ewww, look at all those germs," was the reaction when we showed them the results of the test, illuminated under a black light bulb.

So if you've got concerns, hit the sink.