Despite an increasing number of Americans wash hands more during cold and flu season, a growing number of people – almost 8 out of 10 – have witnessed others leave public washrooms without washing their hands, according to Bradley Company’s Healthy Handwashing Survey.
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A survey conducted in January 2025 shows that public concern regarding contracting the flu has gradually increased since 2016. Currently, 65% are very or somewhat concerned about the flu compared to only 53% nine years ago. To fend off the flu virus, 79% are washing their hands more frequently or thoroughly, reflecting an increase from 74% last year.
Further, 93% believe handwashing is important for their health so they wash their hands, on average, 7.5 times per day. Americans tend to be more diligent about washing their hands when out in public (37%) than when at home (20%), although most (43%) say they are equally diligent no matter the location.
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“Handwashing, using soap and warm water, is an easy and effective way to reduce the spread of disease-causing organisms that cause sickness, like the flu and norovirus,” says medical microbiologist Michael P. McCann, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Saint Joseph’s University. “Given the ease with which some of these organisms can be spread on solid surfaces, in food, and by other means, handwashing is something that everyone should do after activities like using the restroom.”
The survey found that coughing or sneezing or being with somebody who is sick are the actions most likely to lead to handwashing. When sick, Americans are most likely to drink more fluids (89%) and wash their hands more frequently (87%).
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Source – prnewswire
