Are Hand Sanitizers Effective Against the H1N1 Flu?

With the recent scare of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu), people have been cautioned to wash their hands more thoroughly and frequently. However, now new information has surfaced stating that washing hands alone with soap and water is till not enough from catching the H1N1 flu and people are now turning to hand sanitizers. The question is do they really work and are they harmful for you or your kids?

Most hand sanitizing products claim to kill 99.9% of germs. However, this is not always the case. Hand sanitizers usually prevent existing bacteria within the body from coming to the surface of your hands. Hand sanitizers function by stripping away the outermost layer of oil located on your skin (that is why sometimes you hands can feel become dry after using sanitizers frequently). It has been recommended using hand sanitizer as a supplement to hand washing with soap and water and not as a replacement. Of course, if water and soap is not available, using a hand sanitizer is always better than nothing.

When choosing a hand sanitizer, make sure to look for ones that contain at least 60% alcohol. Anything less than that has been proven to be ineffective against killing bacteria. Also, look for products that contain either isopropyl or ethanol alcohol. The rule of thumb is that when applying a hand sanitizer, rub enough over your entire hands for at least 20 seconds. If your hands start to feel dry before the twenty seconds are up, then you did not apply enough.

There has been a concern that using hand sanitizer can bring down the immune system, or prevent the body from building up its natural immunity to germs and bacteria. So it is a good idea to not use hand sanitizers excessively. Washing you hands with soap and water is the primary thing to do; adding hand sanitizer on top serves as an additional protection. Also, it is always important to remember to keep such sanitizing products away from children since it is harmful (and potentially fatal) if swallowed or injurious if it comes in contact with the eyes.

There is no need to go and purchase a name brand hand sanitizer when you can pick up an 8 fl oz. one at your neighborhood dollar store for just a buck. As long as it contains at least 60-95% alcohol, then it is just as effective as a name brand one.

So consistently washing your hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizers as an adjunct, and keeping your hands away from you nose and mouth areas are all good steps in keeping you healthy.