What are alcohol hand sanitizer?

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are liquid or gel formulations that are used to decontaminate hands. They are typically made with 60% to 95% ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, or n-propanol. These alcohols kill bacteria and viruses by denaturing their proteins and disrupting their membranes.

Alcohol hand sanitizers are effective against most common types of bacteria and viruses, including:

* Staphylococcus aureus (staph)

* Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)

* Escherichia coli (E. coli)

* Salmonella

* Influenza virus

* Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

* Hepatitis A virus

* Rotavirus

* Norovirus

Alcohol hand sanitizers are not effective against all types of microorganisms, such as:

* Clostridium difficile (C. diff)

* Mycobacterium tuberculosis (tuberculosis)

* Hepatitis B virus

* Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

Alcohol hand sanitizers should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, a small amount of sanitizer is applied to the palms of the hands and rubbed together until the hands are dry. The sanitizer should not be rinsed off.

Alcohol hand sanitizers are an important tool for preventing the spread of infection. They are especially useful when soap and water are not available.