H1N1 prompts increase in thorough hand-washing among Americans

MILWAUKEE Concerns about last year's H1N1 virus have had an impact on Americans' hand-washing habits, according to a national survey conducted by Bradley Corp.

In Bradley's second Healthy Hand Washing survey, 50% of the 1,053 respondents said they "wash their hands more thoroughly or longer or more frequently" in public restrooms as a result of the H1N1 virus — that's up from 45% in 2009 when the same question was asked.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, adults average two to four colds a year, and children have about six to 10. In fact, the common cold is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.

Bradley's Healthy Hand Washing survey was conducted online from July 7 to 15, 2010, and queried 1,053 American adults about their hand-washing habits in public restrooms. Participants were from around the country, ranged in age from 18 to 65 years and older, and the split between men and women was 46% and 54%, respectively.