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Hand-Washing Might Not Help Much Against Flu

Some scientist say it's airborne, not spread by touch

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 16, 2009 7:38 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Everyone from Elmo to President Obama is telling people to wash their hands to avoid getting the swine flu, and Disney could make a killing on “Musical Hand Wash Timers” featuring its stable of characters. But Newsweek talks to scientists skeptical of the approach: Hand-washing might be great for colds, but not so much against the flu because they say it's transmitted by air instead of through touch.

“We don't want to create a crisis in confidence,” says a scientist in charge of a flu-research center in Minnesota. “But we have to be honest: the evidence doesn't show that hand-washing prevents the spread of the influenza virus.” A Berkeley epidemiologist agrees and fears the simplistic focus on washing hands could give people a false sense of security. The CDC stands by its advice as a good practice against "respiratory infections in general" but stresses that the best practice is to get a flu shot in October.

The last bottle of Purell hand sanitizer is sold at a West Aid Pharmacy in Los Angeles.
The last bottle of Purell hand sanitizer is sold at a West Aid Pharmacy in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo)
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine washes his hands using a paper towel to shut off the water, to demonstrate safety in the face of the H1N1 virus.
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine washes his hands using a paper towel to shut off the water, to demonstrate safety in the face of the H1N1 virus.   (AP Photo)
Vaccination is the only real counter to the swine flu, some doctors say.
Vaccination is the only real counter to the swine flu, some doctors say.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 8 comments
fuguestate
Sep 17, 2009 3:05 AM CDT
In the U.S. it is polite to STAY HOME when you are sick. Spew your filthy bug infested snotty sneezes on your nearest and dearest and leave innocent bystanders out of it.
tran_tor
Sep 17, 2009 1:58 AM CDT
In Japan, it is polite to wear a mask when you're sick. It is a widely accepted custom.
Rocket448
Sep 17, 2009 1:46 AM CDT
Yah, and if ONLY the infected would wear masks to keep their infections to themselves. Don't plan on using a mask to protect you from the flu -- instead, obtain a n95 respirator. That thing will keep you safe(r). Good luck.
Health • US

 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • public health • vaccination • pandemic • airborne contaminants • swine flu • H1N1 virus

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