Ashburn, VA
A 23-year-old male asked:

Can using hand sanitizer prevent cold?

2 doctor answers13 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Ferguson
Pediatrics 48 years experience
Maybe/not: Upper respiratory viruses including a cold can be passed in both contact to the germ on surfaces & airborne droplets. Hand washing is a bit more successful in removing germs than sanitizers but they can cut down exposure risk. Some cultures routinely ware mouth/nose covering asks to reduce airborne virus risk when in public. I doubt this will catch on here.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Dr. Robert Kneece
Specializes in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
It Helps: Frequent hand washing,getting your flu shot,not sharing utensils,straws,etc all help and Hand sanitizer is an adjunct to hand washing as well as exercise and a good balanced diet to keep up your immune system.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Last updated Feb 5, 2019

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