Using Hand Sanitizers to Fight Germs

As we battle through this early flu season across the country, there are some preventative measures that can help lessen the spread of germs.

A popular choice seems to be the use of hand sanitizers in the workplace, universities, and public gatherings.

“Water and soap is more efficient than hand sanitizer, but if that’s your only option, please use it. Please use it before and after. So, it’s sort of like double use, ” says Dr. Vicki Whitacre of the Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department.

Whitacre says any kind of preventative hand sanitizer is fine to use. She says to be careful of ones with fragrances because of allergies.

She says you need to watch using hand sanitizers on kids.

“Remember, more alcohol if you’re using it on small children, they can absorb it through their skin. You do want to be careful about using it on small children, ” says Whitacre.

Whitacre also says that hand sanitizers don’t really lose their effectiveness if they are used frequently, but she says it can cause you to strip your hands of natural oils, making you more prone to infections.