Hand Sanitizer Reduces Kids' Sick Days (So Stock Up Now!)

How kids clean their hands could affect the amount of days they miss at school, according to a new study. And hand sanitizer may be the way to go.

Researchers in Spain studied 911 day care children ages three and younger for eight months. The kids were split into three different hand-washing groups: hand sanitizer, soap and water and whatever the usual hand-washing routine was.

All three groups attended workshops on hand hygiene before the study began. The hand sanitizer and soap and water groups also attended follow-up sessions about respiratory infections and fevers. They were given hygiene tips, including washing hands before and after lunch, when they get home and after they cough, sneeze or blow their noses.

By the end of the study, the students had 5,211 respiratory infections that led to 5,186 missed days of day care. The hand sanitizer group missed 3.25 percent of days of day care, followed by the soap and water group, which missed 3.9 percent of days. The group following its usual hand-washing routine missed 4.2 percent of days.

The soap and water group also had a 21 percent higher risk of having a runny nose, congestion, coughing or sore throat. They also had a 31 percent higher risk of being prescribed antibiotics than those using hand sanitizer.

It’s an interesting study, but some experts have criticized its lack of details about steps taken to implement the program, both in day care centers and in homes.

Another factor to keep in mind is kids’ safety when using hand sanitizer. Supervision should always be required to ensure kids aren’t putting their fingers in their mouth after the alcohol is applied.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds when you wash. When using hand sanitizer, it recommends applying product to one hand and rubbing it all over surfaces of hands and fingers until they’re dry.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.