home
RSS
August 12th, 2014
04:38 PM ET

Hand sanitizer doesn't help in schools

School children get low marks when it comes to spreading germs, often sharing bugs with their classmates. So scientists wondered if putting hand sanitizers into elementary school classrooms would lead to fewer absences.

The study

Researchers in New Zealand set out to discover if using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, in addition to regular hand washing, would cut back on absentee rates in schools.

They recruited 68 primary schools, and all students were given a half-hour hygiene lesson. They then assigned half of the schools to a control group where children washed their hands with soap and water. The schools in the intervention group did the same, but were also asked to use classroom hand sanitizers when they coughed or sneezed, and before meals.

When children missed school, calls were made to find out if the child was sick. The research team checked-in with the caregivers of more than 2,400 children, keeping track of the type and length of their illnesses during 20 weeks of school.

The results

Absentee rates between the two groups were virtually the same, the study authors found.

"These findings suggest that, in high-income countries where clean water for hand washing is readily available, putting resources into extra hand hygiene by providing hand sanitizer in classrooms may not be an effective way to break the child-to-child transmission of infectious diseases," an accompanying editorial in the journal concluded.

Caveats

An unexpected flu epidemic during the course of the study may have affected the findings. Heightened awareness about the benefits of clean hands during the epidemic may have led to more hand washing overall, making it more difficult to see if hand sanitizers gave added benefit, says Dr. Jennifer Shu, a pediatrician in Atlanta who was not involved with the study.

But the study authors say that the impact of hand sanitizer would be particularly important during an influenza pandemic, and they found "providing hand sanitizer was not an effective mechanism for reducing illness absence."

The takeaway

So what is the takeaway message for schools and parents? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it's best to have children wash their hands with soap and water. If a sink is not available, hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of at least 60% are a good second choice.

The bottom line, do what it takes to rub those germs away.


soundoff (1,453 Responses)
  1. Guadalupe Reshard

    prezenty na Dzien Dziecka

    http://www.BFYr4kIrcq.com/BFYr4kIrcq

    August 3, 2016 at 13:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. Manual Skroch

    clash of clans cheats

    http://www.OzeUNfXnzy.com/OzeUNfXnzy

    September 10, 2016 at 15:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Google search engine

    Copyright – How Can The Week Magazine Re-Print Magazine Articles?

    http://google.com

    December 1, 2016 at 19:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. Tish Ragazzo

    Hello. impressive job. I did not expect this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!

    http://www.QTkT6EC19g.com/QTkT6EC19g

    March 4, 2017 at 18:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Delaware water gap map

    Schools are human incubators,There's got to be a better way! Kids come home from school everyone get sick .I use hand sanitizer every day.

    May 4, 2017 at 11:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Mirella

    I’m impressed, I have to say. Actually rarely do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and entertaining, and let me inform you, you have hit the nail on the head. Your concept is excellent; the difficulty is something that not enough individuals are speaking intelligently about. I am very glad that I stumbled across this in my search for something regarding this.

    http://economicsquare.com/members/brianryan07/activity/210466/

    May 7, 2017 at 10:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. Terry

    I have to say, being over 60, I remember when I went to school many years ago, and we didn't fret or worry about germs the way teachers and kids do now. We didn't have hand sanitizers, but we were taught at an early age proper cleanliness and hygiene. And, I don't remember anyone coming down with anything except the very rare case of the measles or occasionally the flu. ( We did have flu vaccinations back then).

    May 21, 2017 at 20:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. nike basket kobe

    tches constructed by SIS Pitches for the World Cup in 2018 will exceed the expectations of both the players and officials.
    nike basket kobe http://nk.bbsoldes.fr/Nike-Kobe-8-Gris-Vert-Nike-Basket-Kobe-WO14016.html

    September 1, 2017 at 04:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. ROSE

    i want you all divorce lady or single mother to please contact this man for help and everything will be fine i really guarantee you..i have told 2 of my friends who are in unhappy relationship and they have seen solution in few days ago...if you want to contact him you can reach him through his email at generalspelltemple @ gmail .com

    September 17, 2017 at 21:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Lizzy Desler

    That's why my wish Is very Important for me and for me to have my wish because things will change heaps for me and things will settle down and I'll be happy and have you heard that story? Where a lady was really unwell and also was In hospital and all she needed was to see her son and her temperature went down and she was alright? That's with me that Is what I need... I mean having cancer and doing chemotherapy you just don't know If you will survive or beat this and such... That's why this Is so Important to me.

    October 11, 2017 at 05:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. saeed bd message

    Good Article and Informative. Influenza actually has been familiar for us but by this article let us know more...pureresiduals

    October 12, 2017 at 17:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Alvin Lee

    Hey guys..

    Seeking for help on how to get your ex lover back or save your marriage? Unityspelltemple@gmail.com is certainly the best, and his result is 100% guarantee..

    October 21, 2017 at 01:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. Alexandria

    Seeking for help on how to get your ex lover back fast or save your marriage? Unityspelltemple@gmail.com is certainly the best, and his result is 100% guarantee..

    October 24, 2017 at 21:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Alexandria

    Seeking for help on how to get your ex lover back fast or save your marriage? Unityspelltemple@gmail.com is certainly the best, and his result is 100% guarantee.

    November 5, 2017 at 03:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Wendy Murray

    Effective powerful love spell to get your ex lover back now! Unityspelltemple@gmail.com is certainly the best spell caster online, and his result is 100% guarantee..

    November 13, 2017 at 10:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Patricia Shiels

    Hello everyone my health is restore Dr. Ehiagwina cured me from HSV2 with Natural herbs remedy here’s his email; ehiagwinaherbalhome@gmail.com

    December 12, 2017 at 11:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. GbeduJamz

    Its fine like this

    January 6, 2018 at 07:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. GbeduJamz

    How can I?

    January 6, 2018 at 07:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Franchise Opportunities

    Thanks on your marvelous posting! I seriously enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.I will remember to bookmark your blog and will come back later in life. I want to encourage continue your great work, have a nice weekend!

    http://www.dfwfranchises.com/listing/tutor-doctor/

    January 18, 2018 at 19:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. small business franchise opportunities

    I'm really loving the theme/design of your blog. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A small number of my blog readers have complained about my blog not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?

    http://franventure.net/about-us.html

    February 6, 2018 at 23:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. Happy

    GET YOUR EX BACK URGENTLY, WITH URGENT LOVE SPELL THAT GUARANTEE DR HAPPY IS TRULY THE BEST AFRICA ONLINE SPELL CASTER EMAIL HAPPYLOVESPELL2@GMAIL.COM..

    February 9, 2018 at 01:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. SelenaA09

    Dr. Todd you should know that he's back, and we are happy again, I couldn't have done it with out you. thanks for Staying with me, when i was alone. Your the best. And for the people that don't know about my case, I contacted him a month ago, I was heartbroken and he helped me. Only 2 weeks after the spell was cast I'd got the results. He came back to me and ask me to forgive him. The other woman went back to Australia. THANKS! e-mail: manifestspellcast@gmail.com

    February 9, 2018 at 19:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Del Summar

    From my research, shopping for gadgets online can for sure be expensive, but there are some tips and tricks that you can use to acquire the best things. There are always ways to find discount offers that could make one to ge thet best consumer electronics products at the lowest prices. Interesting blog post.

    https://localdrone.shop/post_part1507.xml

    February 10, 2018 at 11:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Happy

    Excited, My Girlfriend Is Back Contact Happylovespell2@gmail.com..

    February 20, 2018 at 07:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Roland Bugarewicz

    I’ve been examinating out a couple of of the stories and it’s pretty excellent things. I’ll certainly bookmark your own weblog.

    http://fwp.mt.gov/search?query=223e3ca20href=22http://topsellers.website/category/crafts-sewing

    June 1, 2018 at 18:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. franchise opportunities in charlotte nc

    Thanks for a marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you might be a great author.I will always bookmark your blog and will often come back from now on. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great work, have a nice evening!

    http://www.careertransitioning.net

    July 20, 2018 at 17:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. Exec Leads

    Appreciating the persistence you put into your site and in depth information you present. It's nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same old rehashed information. Great read! I've saved your site and I'm adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

    https://plus.google.com/+Executive-leads

    July 30, 2018 at 01:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. sassydesigners

    RentalCloud offers best family holiday destinations in the world

    February 1, 2019 at 07:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Fashina Samson

    Thanks for this great information, now I know why hands sanitizers are not really effective

    February 16, 2019 at 15:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Transcend Health Newcastle

    Well said it really very much helpfully to prevent from the heart disease as when we run for sometime then we take a deep breath this will help in solve many of our heart as well as other problems like blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease etc.

    Transcend Health Newcastle

    March 25, 2019 at 03:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Dallas Franchise Opportunities

    I am really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems? A small number of my blog readers have complained about my site not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any ideas to help fix this problem?

    http://www.dfwfranchises.com/listing/lawndoctor

    March 26, 2019 at 10:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. Demsaloaded

    https://www.demsaloaded.com.ng/2019/04/music-patoranking-jama-ft-dj-khaled-mic.html

    Patoranking DJ Mic Music rnb Dem mama recordz

    April 26, 2019 at 02:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Mzansi

    I couldn't play the video embedded in this article.

    May 15, 2019 at 21:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. gospelnobs

    Download latest gospel music

    June 21, 2019 at 09:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. mp3race

    Nice one

    June 21, 2019 at 09:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. MzansiMp3

    So what is the message for schools and parents?

    July 16, 2019 at 02:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. 9jabrainers

    physical health

    mental health

    general health

    100 best practices for safer sex in 2019

    Top 5 uses of baking soda

    health benefit in playing games

    best way to lose weight

    July 22, 2019 at 08:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Melodygist

    Really nice

    July 30, 2019 at 03:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. Ryan

    Really great information!

    October 1, 2019 at 06:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. Stella Moore

    Herpes Cure with Traditional Herbs
    I was once a victim of Herpes Virus,I have severe outbreaks and it was really irritating. I was referred to a Herbal doctor whose name was Ahmed through a health blogger page with lot of his patient testimony who were cured from different disease.I contacted him with his official email and he sent the herbal medicine to me. At first I taught it was a scam not until I received the Herbal medicine through courier service later and with his prescription I was cured within 21 days with my Herpes result negative with no trace of the virus on my blood, please don't get discouraged there is a cure for HSV 1 or 2 with Herbal medicine and it is very affordable. You can contact him through his official email address; drahmedusman5104@ gmail. com. Most of his patient are been cured with his herbal medicine for Cancer and diabetes.

    October 26, 2019 at 18:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. PSC Result 2019

    Get PSC Result 2019

    November 3, 2019 at 12:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Kathe Theodora

    Qui n'en voudrait pas pour un sou. https://www.cialis20.fr

    December 6, 2019 at 05:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Kathleen S

    I want to use the means to thank Robinson.buckler for his good work I have been very sick with this horrible diseases for 9 months they all tell me there was no cure for me I have go to different hospital I always have same news, I was confused because I feel like ending my life that time thank God I was able to locate doctor Robinson.buckler who help me I found his email on site how people was writing Good about him I never believe he can really cured me until when I get my test done. I am so happy to tell you this Robinson.buckler have a herbal cure to Herpes and you can take the medicine according to his instruction you will found out that you will give testimony like me I take his herbal medicine for just 2 week. I am so happy today that I am really free from this sickness here is Robinson.buckler email Robinson.buckler (( @yahoo. com ))………………………………. you can reach him out now https://robinbuckler.com/

    January 29, 2020 at 11:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. mr john

    I am doctor Regan I got effected with Hiv in the process of attending to my
    > HIV patient I tried
    > all I can to get cured but all to no avail, until i saw a post in a health
    > forum about a herbalist man who prepare herbal medication to cure all kind
    > of diseases including HIV virus, at first i doubted if it was real but
    > decided to give it a try, when i contact this herbalist via his email
    > ukabuoherblhome@gmail.com and
    > he prepared a HIV herbal cure and sent it to me via fed-ex delivery
    > company service, when i received this herbal cure, he gave me step by
    > directions on how to apply it, when i applied it as instructed, i was
    > totally cured of this deadly disease within 10
    > days of usage, I am now free from the deadly disease called HIV, all
    > thanks to Dr ukabuo. Contact this great herbal spell caster.kindly contact
    > him on +2348155224153
    > or whatsapp
    > him +2348155224153
    > Dr.ukabuo cure all kinds of sickness or diseases such as:
    > 1. HERPES VIRUS
    > 2. LASSA FEVER
    > 3. GONORRHEA
    > 4. HIV/AIDS
    > 5. LOW SPERM COUNT
    > 6. MENOPAUSE DISEASE
    > 7. EPILEPSY
    > 8. Hypertension
    > 9. CANCER
    > 10. Kidney problems
    > 11. PREGNANCY PROBLEM
    > 12. SHORT SIGHTEDNESS PROBLEM
    > 14. Male menopause
    > 15. Menopause – male
    > 16. Menopause – peri
    > 17. Menstruation problems
    > 18. Mercury Poisoning
    > 19. Migraine
    > 20. Miscarriage
    > 21. Stroke etc

    July 14, 2020 at 09:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. Kashmira Pandya

    thanks for sharing such a great article.Hand sanitizer can be a compelling method of removing germs, wellbeing specialists despite everything prescribe handwashing at whatever point conceivable to keep your hands liberated from sickness causing infections and different germs.

    August 24, 2020 at 01:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. Marshall Hosel

    Interesting article

    October 1, 2020 at 20:38 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. KbrgMile

    online viagra paypal cost of viagra in us can you purchase viagra over the counter in mexico

    November 24, 2020 at 20:16 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. FnrdEncox

    buy viagra 100 mg online viagra in canada viagra tablets online

    November 25, 2020 at 13:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. FdbvZisse

    viagra tablets buy online in india viagra mexico order viagra australia

    November 26, 2020 at 21:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. FmsgEncox

    norvasc with viagra o site viagra brasil Г© seguro c'est quoi un viagra

    November 27, 2020 at 06:34 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Leave a Reply to ZisseVed


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.