Handwashing: An Infection Prevention Method That We Forget?
Robert Hopkins Jr, MD, the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) discusses the results of the organization's new survey, and the surprising findings that many people forget to wash their hands after key times or believe it is not needed.
Handwashing often takes place after encounters with people, using the bathroom, or touching doors or other areas where the public has been utilizing. However, it can be quite a personal decision and one associated with people’s beliefs about germs.
A new survey commissioned by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) and released as part of its 2025 State of Handwashing Report, asked about people’s behaviors around handwashing. The results showed there is quite a bit of variability for when people wash their hands.
One of the takeaways from the report confirmed that many adults know how important it is to wash their hands, and yet it is easy to forget in everyday life.
For example, the report showed that 48% of US adults admit to forgetting or choosing not to wash their hands at key times, like after visiting grocery stores, restaurants, or coffee shops, or a healthcare setting (doctor’s office, pharmacy, clinic, or hospital). In addition, 1 out of 5 (20%) admit to not washing their hands, even though handwashing can help prevent approximately 80% of infectious diseases.1
When it comes to the amount of time needed, a majority knew the correct cleaning method and time needed to kill germs.
“Sixty-two percent of the survey respondents correctly stated that washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water effectively reduces the spread of germs,” said Robert Hopkins Jr, MD, the medical director of NFID. “Only 13% believe that less than 20 seconds is enough, while 24% thought that you needed more time.”
Hopkins did point out some areas that can be problematic in terms of contracting or spreading germs.
“Only 30% reported they're most likely to wash their hands after a cough or sneezing, which is a concern, especially given what we know about how easily we spread respiratory disease by droplets,” he said.
He did note men and women do differ a bit in terms of handwashing strategies.
Hopkins said that 34% of men surveyed were more likely to forget to wash their hands; whereas, 27% of women forget. Additionally, 34% of women were more likely to use alternatives, like hand sanitizers, than men ( 23%).
Hands In For Handwashing Campaign
Along with the report, NFID has launched its Hands In For Handwashing campaign to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing to help stop the spread of infectious diseases.1
“The campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of hand washing— really to help stop the spread of infectious diseases. We want to encourage everyone to wash their hands as 1 component of an effort to stay healthy and avoid infections. About 80% of infectious diseases are spread by dirty hands,” Hopkins said.
Hopkins says hand washing is one component of an infection prevention strategy that should also include vaccination as well as other elements.
As part of the campaign, NFID is also going out on the road with a Clean Hands Caravan, that includes a mobile handwashing station to make it easier for people to wash their hands in places where germs can spread.1
For its next stops, Hopkins says the caravan will be at the World Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis from May 14 to 17, and at the Atlanta Jazz Festival from May 24 to 26.
To learn more about the campaign or read the handwashing report, go here.
