Hand Sanitizer Proven To Be More Effective Than Hand Washing
According to a recent study performed by researchers at the University of Virginia
School of Medicine hand sanitizer is more effective than washing your hands with soap and water. More specifically, the conclusion was made based on their findings regarding the rhinovirus germ. The rhinovirus germ is often found on people's hands and is known to cause about one third of common colds in adults. The researchers discovered that the ethanol in the sanitizer was responsible for destroying 80% of the rhinovirus from someone's hands while traditional hand washing with soap and water only took off roughly 30% of the germ. The researchers had also discovered that a blend consisting of organic acids and ethanol actually reduced the odds of the rhinovirus germs recovery on the hands for about four hours.
There are several brands of hand sanitizer on the market today. It is important to choose one that contains alcohol. The alcohol is responsible for killing the germs and can therefore prevent the spread of illness. However different brands of sanitizer contain various concentrations of alcohol. According to the New York Times, Elaine Larson, a professor of pharmaceutical and therapeutic research at Columbia's nursing school said the concentration of alcohol in the sanitizer needs to be greater than 60% or it is just not effective. When you purchase it to be sure it will be effective you should look on the label for the concentration of alcohol. Do not purchase it if it contains less than 60% alcohol.
When you are using the hand sanitizer you must also make sure that you apply it correctly for it to be effective. You should dispense an amount similar to the size of a silver dollar into the palm of your hand. Continue by spreading it over the surface of both hands making sure the entire surface of both hands are covered and you did not miss any spots. You should then let it air dry for best results.