Do Hand Sanitizers Protect You from the Flu?

By: Tom Crabtree | News Channel 7
Published: May 01, 2009 | 0 Comments | Post a Comment

As you shop for hand sanitizers to protect against H1N1 flu (better known as "swine flu") or future outbreaks of the flu, remember this key figure: 60 percent.

Over the past week, News Channel 7 has given you mega-information about the H1N1 outbreak, including how to protect your family and yourself from the virus.

The protective action that's at the top of everyone's list is washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.

But what about the scenario where you need to wash your hands, but there's no restroom nearby?

Hand sanitizing gels and foams have been popular for years.

People are definitely turning to such products during the current flu outbreak.

I got this from a Facebook friend: "I went to Costco today to buy some (hand sanitizers) and they were sold out. They told me they can't order anymore because their distributor has run out. I did stop at one of the Rite Aids and was able to get some..."

But do hand sanitizers work?

My colleague Robert Kittle shared this with me: "Dr. (Jerry) Gibson with DHEC did say yesterday and today that alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective, and he suggested using them." Dr. Gibson is chief of DHEC's Bureau of Disease Control.

Three years ago, The New York Times reported on a study that had been published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases. The study generated discussion on whether gel and foam sanitizers get the job done.

The answer: they do, as long as the alcohol concentration of the sanitizer is between 60 - 95 percent.

The Times reported health officials say it takes an alcohol concentration of at least 60 percent to kill most harmful bacteria and viruses.

Check the active ingredients listed on the label of any hand sanitizer you may consider buying. By making sure the alcohol concentration is at least 60 percent, you're making sure the product works.

Hand washing with soap and water still has an important role. It takes away dirt, blood, feces, etc. Such grime has to be cleaned away before hand sanitizers can be effective.

You'll find the article in The Times at this link: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/21/health/21cons.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print. It also tells you the correct way to apply hand sanitizers.

The information is helpful anytime and especially now.