Staying Healthy with Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers can be an effective way to prevent the spread of germs, especially when hand washing is not readily available. Hand sanitizers contain alcohol or other antiseptic agents that kill bacteria and viruses on the hands.

When using hand sanitizers, it is important to follow a few guidelines to ensure their effectiveness:

1. Use the correct amount: A dime-sized amount of sanitizer is enough to cover both hands.
2. Rub for at least 20 seconds: Rub the sanitizer all over your hands, covering all surfaces, for at least 20 seconds until your hands are dry.
3. Check the alcohol content: Choose a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Sanitizers with lower alcohol content may not be as effective at killing germs.
4. Don’t rely on sanitizers alone: While hand sanitizers are effective, they should not be relied on as the only method of hand hygiene. Regular hand washing with soap and water is still the best way to remove dirt, grease, and other types of germs that may not be effectively removed by sanitizers.

It’s also important to note that hand sanitizers should not be used on visibly dirty hands. In such cases, it’s best to use soap and water for hand washing.

Overall, hand sanitizers can be a useful tool in preventing the spread of germs, but they should be used correctly and in conjunction with other hygienic practices such as hand washing.