The CDC says that the number one method you have at your disposal to prevent getting the flu this season is to wash your hands on a regular basis.
But apparently, Americans just don’t like to listen to common sense.
The easy way to stop germs: Wash Your Hands!
That’s the conclusion from the ANNUAL HANDWASHING SURVEY from Bradley Corporation earlier this year.
And with flu season in full swing, Web Watch thought it would be fun to take a look at this year’s results again:
- 57% said they wash their hands for just 5-15 seconds (the CDC recommends at least 20 seconds)
- During flu season, 75% don’t bother to wash their hands more often than they do under normal, non-flu times
- 70% said that they ALWAYS wash their hands after using a public restroom, while 29% said that they sometimes don’t wash their hands…. and 1% said that they NEVER wash their hands in a public restroom.
Web Watch does wonder about this particular question, as they never ask whether people wash their hands after using their HOME bathroom. One wonders if people are more inclined to wash their hands in a public facility when others are watching (a bit of peer pressure), and then don’t think about washing their hands while their at home.
- Gas stations were deemed the worst public bathrooms, according to the survey, primarily due to bad smells.
- Other complaints about public restrooms included clogged or unflushed toilets, and dirty bathrooms.
- 31% said that the state of the business’ bathroom reflected on the company. If the bathroom was dirty, they wouldn’t shop at that business again.