HuffPost: Hand Sanitizer Isn't as Effective at Killing Germs as You Think—Here's What You Need to Know

HuffPost recently interviewed infectious disease specialist Soniya Gandhi, MD, MPH, associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, about how to select the most effective hand sanitizer and why hand-washing is the better option for preventing sickness. 

While hand sanitizer labels often tout its effectiveness in killing 99% of germs, it does not penetrate the surface of some viruses that cause stomach bugs or colds and bacteria that cause diarrhea.

Gandhi, senior vice president of Medical Affairs, said that if hand sanitizer is the only available option, make sure it contains at least 60% alcohol.

“These higher concentration sanitizers are more effective at killing germs than those with lower alcohol concentrations,” she said.

Gandhi told HuffPost that hand-washing with soap and water always is the best choice when possible.

Hand-washing is the “gold standard of eliminating germs,” she said. “The most powerful tool we have to … prevent … getting sick.”

Gandhi told HuffPost how to properly wash your hands to maximize protection.

“Lather [and] scrub [your] hands to create friction … [Scrub] for at least 20 seconds,” Ghandi said, adding, “Dry [your] hands thoroughly after washing well because wet hands can more easily transmit germs.”

For those who do become sick and want to avoid spreading their illness, Gandhi recommends washing clothing on the highest heat setting in the washer and dryer if soiled with vomit or feces. She also recommends not preparing food for two days after symptoms subside.

Click here to read the complete article from HuffPost.