Germiphobes have something to worry about again: Hand sanitizer only lasts for about two minutes after application. That means that almost constant reapplication would be necessary for it to provide long-term protection.
Adds Dr. Len Horovitz, attending physician and internist at Lenox Hill Hospital:
“Hand sanitizer is better than nothing if you are going to shake someone├óΓé¼Γäós hand or if you are out on the street with no sink or paper towels, but the best germicidal thing you can do is wash with soap and water.”
So use hand sanitizer in situations where you won├óΓé¼Γäót have access to a sink — everywhere else, a good ol├óΓé¼Γäó fashioned sink and sop will do.
[Image via AP Images.]