5. You’re picking the wrong hand sanitizerÂ
You don’t actually need to buy (and use) antibacterial hand sanitizer to stay away from colds because viruses, not bacteria, cause colds. The worst part? Antibacterial products such as soap and hand sanitizer could destroy good bacteria too.
When you don’t have access to water and soap, the CDC says it’s best to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer rather than an antibacterial one. Partha Nandi, MD, a gastroenterologist in Detroit, Michigan, says that your hand sanitizer should contain at least 60 percent alcohol.