What is the importance of using alcohol-based hand sanitizers?

Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers is particularly important because they are effective against a broad range of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, making them a valuable tool for hand hygiene, especially in situations where soap and water are not readily available. They contain a high concentration of alcohol, typically between 60% and 95%, which is capable of quickly killing most germs on the hands.

While hand sanitizers serve as a convenient alternative in situations where handwashing isn't feasible, they do not replace the thorough cleaning provided by soap and water, particularly when hands are visibly soiled or greasy. In these cases, soap and water remain the preferred method for ensuring effective hand hygiene. Additionally, economic factors and scent preferences are not directly related to the sanitizing capabilities of these products, making them less relevant in the context of their primary purpose, which is to reduce viral and bacterial presence on the hands to prevent infection.