by Shane Henson — February 10, 2014—Americans’ fears about catching the flu cause many to be much more conscientious when it comes to hand washing during flu season, but most could still benefit from some hand-washing pointers to protect themselves and others better from harmful viruses and germs.
Bradley Corporation’s fifth annual Healthy Hand Washing Survey found that in response to a flu virus sweeping the country, 66 percent of adults wash their hands more thoroughly or more frequently. However, 55 percent wash up for just 15 seconds or less, instead of the recommended 20 seconds or more. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests singing “Happy Birthday” twice to allow enough time to remove and rinse off germs.
This infographic depicts survey findings on tactics Americans employ to avoid germs in public restrooms.”
(Click on image to enlarge)
“Good hand hygiene is one of the most important and easiest things people can do to reduce the risk of getting sick and spreading germs to others. Using soap and warm water for a good 20 seconds is highly effective in removing bacteria, viruses and other disease-causing microorganisms from the surface of the skin,” says medical microbiologist Michael McCann, Ph.D., a professor of biology and associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.
The survey also shows that Americans go to great lengths to avoid coming into contact with germs in a public restroom. They commonly operate the toilet flusher with their foot (64 percent); use a paper towel when touching the restroom door (60 percent); open and close doors with their behind (48 percent); and use their elbow to avoid touching anything with their hands (39 percent).
The Healthy Hand Washing survey queried 1,015 American adults (18 years and older) about their hand washing habits. Participants were from around the country and were fairly evenly split between men and women (47 and 53 percent).
Bradley Corporation is a designer and manufacturer of commercial washfountains, and also a provider of plumbing fixtures, washroom accessories, restroom partitions, emergency fixtures and solid plastic lockers. Headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Bradley serves the commercial, industrial, health care, recreation, education, and corrections markets worldwide.
