Germs are everywhere! They can get onto hands and items we touch during daily activities and make us sick. Cleaning hands at key times with soap and water or hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to those around you.
There are important differences between washing hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizer. Soap and water work to remove all types of germs from hands, while sanitizer acts by killing certain germs on the skin. Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs in many situations, they should be used in the right situations. Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs like norovirus, Cryptosporidium, and Clostridioides difficile, as well as chemicals.
Hand sanitizers also may not remove harmful chemicals, such as pesticides and heavy metals like lead. Handwashing reduces the amounts of all types of germs, pesticides, and metals on hands. Knowing when to clean your hands and which method to use will give you the best chance of preventing sickness.
When should I use?
Soap and Water
- Before, during, and after preparing food.
- Before eating food.
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea.
- Before and after treating a cut or wound.
- After using the toilet.
- After changing diapers, or cleaning up a child who has used the bathroom.
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.
- After handling pet food or pet treats.
- After touching garbage.
- If your hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
- Wet your hands with clean running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap,
and apply soap. - Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the
backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. - Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
- Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer
- Before and after visiting a friend or loved one in a hospital or nursing home, unless the person is sick with Clostridioides difficile (if so, use soap and water to wash hands).
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and wash with soap and water as soon as you can.
- DO NOT use hand sanitizer if your hands are visibly dirty or greasy–for example, after gardening, playing outdoors, fishing, or camping. If a handwashing station is available, wash your hands with soap and water instead.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Supervise young children when they use hand sanitizer to prevent swallowing alcohol, especially in schools and childcare facilities.
- Put enough sanitizer on your hands to cover all surfaces.
- Rub your hands together until they feel dry (this should take around 20 seconds).
- Do NOT rinse or wipe off the hand sanitizer before it’s dry; it may not work well against germs.
©2020 Human Biosciences, Inc. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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Ridley Vann
Mr. Vann oversees E-Commerce, Inventory, and Facilities, ensuring optimal product and supply management across medical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic lines.
With a dedication to accuracy and reliability, he brings a wealth of experience as an innovative project coordinator adept at managing diverse initiatives and streamlining processes.
He holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Environmental Science and Technology from the University of Maryland and started his career at the Smithsonian Institution, spearheading green initiatives for the annual Folklife Festival with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Nisha Jain Vann
Creative Director, Human BioSciences
Mrs. Vann is responsible for branding, design, and public outreach efforts for the company.
Mrs. Vann has over five years of experience in the creative design arena. She has spearheaded multiple marketing campaigns, both domestic and international.
She also has experience producing several television and live-stage programs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Video Studies from George Mason University.
Jack Slovick
Mr. Slovick is responsible for all regulatory and quality affairs in the company.
Mr. Slovick has worked in regulatory, quality, and clinical services within the medical device and diagnostics industry for nearly 40 years.
He founded Methodize Inc., to offer strategic support for approval of medical devices and in vitro diagnostics products. Mr. Slovick has a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems.
Jigar Patel
Vice President of Operations, Human BioSciences
Mr. Patel is the Vice President of Operations for Human BioSciences. As such, he is responsible for strategy development for optimal growth, organizing multiple teams and implementing optimal product delivery for the growth of HBS.
He has served multiple positions within HBS since 2001, including Operations Manager.
With an MBA in Pharmaceutical Healthcare and a Bachelor’s in Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Patel brings deep technical knowledge in collagen product production with a rich history in managing teams.
David H. Dickieson
General Counsel
Mr. Dickieson, as General Counsel, is involved with Human Biosciences’ efforts to expand internationally while aiding with growth and legal compliance in the U.S.
He has over 40 years of experience as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and with Washington, D.C. law firms. His law degree is from the University of Michigan and he received a Bachelors Degree in Government from Cornell.
Dr. Rohan K Jain
President, Human BioSciences
As the President of Human BioSciences, Dr. Rohan K Jain is responsible for the company’s overall operations, with a focus on research and development.
Dr. Jain has supervised and conducted extensive research in the collagen, biomaterials, and protein space, resulting in the release of numerous new products to the market.
Prior to his role at HBS, Dr. Jain was a capital markets attorney at Shearman & Sterling LLP. He received his Doctorate in Law and his MBA from New York University; his Bachelor’s degrees in Biomedical Engineering and Materials Science and his Master’s in Engineering Management from Johns Hopkins University. He is a member of the New York and Maryland bars.