Question 1

can you contract anything (diseases, viruses, etc.) by touching someone's hand? i used hand sanitizer and washed hands shortly after contact.

Accepted Answer

Very unlikely: Shaking hands is a standard means of human greeting.  It is done millions of times per day and our natural body defenses render it very unlikely that anything will be contacted that way.  Hand sanitizers are useful to lower the spread of infectious illness, but most are not infected.  Do not worry about this common practice of greeting your fellow human beings.

Question 2

does 70% alcohol hand sanitizer kill viruses while it's still wet? does it have to dry to kill them?

Accepted Answer

While still wet: It kills germs while still wet

Question 3

does hand sanitizer kill ebola virus?

Accepted Answer

Ebola Virus: Please see “Pathogen Safety Data Sheet- Infectious Substances” for Ebola @ http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/lab-bio/res/psds-ftss/ebola-eng.php **  SECTION IV - STABILITY &amp; VIABILITY &gt; SUSCEPTIBILITY TO DISINFECTANTS  &amp;  PHYSICAL INACTIVATION.  ** I can't answer whether hand sanitizer can kill the virus – but this SDS does provide techniques for killing the Ebola Virus (in laboratory settings).

Question 4

how would hand sanitizer help against bacteria/virus?

Accepted Answer

May or may not: Reducing the number of potentially pathogenic microorganisms with sanitizer may reduce the risk of infection.

Question 5

is bactine effective as hand sanitizer against covid-19 virus?

Accepted Answer

Probably not: Even though bactine is an antiseptic, it is doubtful it kills viruses. Wash with soap and water and rinse well.

Question 6

can hand sanitizer kill or inactivate rabies virus?

Accepted Answer

Killing Rabies virus: Unfortunately hand sanitizers are not effective against Rabies virus, while they may be useful in others and many bacteria.

Household bleach is more effective against Rabies virus, as it is against many other viral and bacterial agents, including staph infections. One way to make an effective solution is to mix 1/2 cup of household bleach in a gallon of water for spraying or washing with.

Question 7

does hand sanitizer kill viruses on hands such as hcv hvb or hiv?

Accepted Answer

Hand sanitizers: As long as the product contains at least 60% alcohol it should kill most bacteria and some viruses.      Hand sanitizers won't work on dirty or greasy hands.   SEE   http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/show-me-the-science-hand-sanitizer.html  or   http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/innovation_quality_patient_care/areas_expertise/infections_complications/hand_hygiene/why_wipes.html
Good luck

Question 8

my  hand sanitizer was very sticky so my mom add some blue alcohol to it.now my it's not that sticky andis i can feel the smell of the alcohol is the hand sanitizer strong enough to kill  virus?

Accepted Answer

Hard to guess: It's likely better than having no hand sanitizer. Washing hands with plain soap and water works fine too. Mixing products sometimes works, sometimes not. It depends on the mixer knowing what is in each product and whether they mix well. Otherwise, strange results can happen. Blue alcohol from liquor stores is usually no more than 40% alcohol, so not up to the 60% recommended for hand sanitizers.

Question 9

risk of virus exposure? i spent hours in er yesterday, wore kn95 mask+regular mask, goggles, shield, still smelled hand sanitizer despite masks, drs talked less than 6ft masked, wondering about general ventilation in hospitals, should i be concerned?

Accepted Answer

: One should always be cautious, but not irrationally fearful. Two masks, goggles and face shield... you pretty much closed off all entrances for the virus. The physicians were almost certainly vaccinated. Are you vaccinated? if so you have almost zero worries. If you are not vaccinated, then get the vaccine... it may save your life.

Question 10

can hand sanitizer kill the herpes simplex-1 virus when applied to hands or inanimate objects that are contaminated with it. can disinfectant sprays?

Accepted Answer

It helps ....: While anti-bacterial hand sanitizer doesn't kill viruses, using it will help protect you from becoming infected.  Alcohol based products may be especially helpful as alcohol can destabilize a viral cell membrane. Disinfectant sprays would have limited use for this purpose. Good wishes:)

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Hand sanitizers and viruses

A member asked:

Can you contract anything (diseases, viruses, etc.) by touching someone's hand? i used hand sanitizer and washed hands shortly after contact.

A member asked:

Does 70% alcohol hand sanitizer kill viruses while it's still wet? does it have to dry to kill them?

A member asked:

Does hand sanitizer kill ebola virus?

A member asked:

How would hand sanitizer help against bacteria/virus?

A member asked:

Is bactine effective as hand sanitizer against covid-19 virus?

A member asked:

Can hand sanitizer kill or inactivate rabies virus?

A member asked:

Does hand sanitizer kill viruses on hands such as hcv hvb or hiv?

A member asked:

My hand sanitizer was very sticky so my mom add some blue alcohol to it.now my it's not that sticky andis i can feel the smell of the alcohol is the hand sanitizer strong enough to kill virus?

A member asked:

Risk of virus exposure? i spent hours in er yesterday, wore kn95 mask+regular mask, goggles, shield, still smelled hand sanitizer despite masks, drs talked less than 6ft masked, wondering about general ventilation in hospitals, should i be concerned?

A member asked:

Can hand sanitizer kill the herpes simplex-1 virus when applied to hands or inanimate objects that are contaminated with it. can disinfectant sprays?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?