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Biggest Handwashing Mistakes Making People Sick

An expert emphasizes that proper handwashing has the potential to save around a million lives annually, yet many people do not wash their hands correctly due to common misunderstandings about the practice. Health professionals recommend washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help reduce the transmission of infectious illnesses.

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) recently released the 2025 State of Handwashing Report, which highlights Americans’ habits and errors related to hand hygiene. Based on a survey of 3,587 adults conducted in late 2024 and early 2025, the report sheds light on widespread misconceptions. For instance, some viruses, like norovirus—a highly contagious stomach bug often seen on cruise ships—cannot be eliminated by hand sanitizer but are easily removed with soap and water.

Experts explain that certain viruses are “encapsulated” and can be killed by both soap and sanitizer, but others have outer layers resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers. Therefore, washing with soap and water is generally more effective for removing germs. Additionally, even after coughing or sneezing into one’s sleeve, it’s important to wash hands thoroughly to prevent further spread of pathogens.

The report also notes that many people touch their faces frequently, which can introduce bacteria or viruses into the body’s mucous membranes, increasing the risk of infection. While about 69% of adults wash their hands after using the restroom and 48% after handling food, only 30% reported washing hands after sneezing or coughing. Nearly half of respondents admitted to sometimes forgetting or neglecting handwashing after visiting public places like grocery stores or healthcare facilities.

According to the expert, handwashing remains an underemphasized but crucial public health measure. Most campaigns have focused on healthcare environments, but there’s a pressing need to promote hand hygiene in everyday settings. Consistent handwashing could significantly reduce the spread of disease and potentially save millions of lives each year.