Heightened concern over H3N2 and seasonal viruses drives higher hand hygiene, but lapses in public restrooms persist

Because the U.S. is within the midst of a tricky flu season, People are rising considerably extra involved about getting sick. In accordance with the 2026 Wholesome Handwashing Survey™, 70% of People are very or considerably involved about contracting the flu in comparison with 59% who felt that means simply three years in the past.

That rising concern is translating into extra diligent hand hygiene. The survey discovered that 81% of People say they wash their arms extra ceaselessly or extra totally throughout flu outbreaks and seasonal virus surges, up from 74% in 2023. Practically all respondents (93%) consider handwashing is vital to sustaining general well being, reinforcing its position as one of the crucial trusted and accessible methods to assist cut back the unfold of sickness.

Bradley, an organization that manufactures industrial washroom gear, executed its first Wholesome Handwashing Survey in 2009 because the H1N1 virus (also referred to as the swine flu) was hitting the nation. Again then, simply 45% of People mentioned they elevated their hand hygiene in response to seasonal virus outbreaks. Now, 17 years later, handwashing has surged as a illness prevention technique.

“Handwashing, utilizing cleaning soap and heat water, is likely one of the easiest and handiest methods to cut back the unfold of illness, together with the flu,” mentioned Brian M. Forster, Ph.D., microbiologist and chemical hygiene officer at Saint Joseph’s College. “Our arms contact many surfaces throughout the day, together with our face, and are a straightforward means for us to select up one thing that may make us sick.” 

The survey discovered that coughing, sneezing, or being round somebody who’s sick are the actions probably to immediate handwashing. When feeling ailing, People are probably to drink extra fluids, wash their arms extra ceaselessly, and keep house when doable.

Chopping Corners on Hand Hygiene

Though many individuals perceive the well being advantages of handwashing, the survey reveals these habits usually don’t final, particularly in public restrooms, highlighting a rising disconnect between consciousness and day by day habits.

Final yr, 81% of People mentioned they at all times washed their arms after utilizing a public restroom. In 2026, that determine dropped to 76%.

On common, People report washing their arms about eight instances per day, however frequency varies broadly. Girls wash their arms about two instances extra every day than males, a long-standing sample that continues to underscore the hole between consciousness and on a regular basis apply.

Skipping the Suds – Even in Public Restrooms

Lack of handwashing follow-through in public restrooms stays a visual, and troubling, concern. Greater than three-quarters of People (77%) say they’ve seen others go away a public restroom with out washing their arms, up from 68% in 2024. On the identical time, one in 5 admit they’re extra more likely to skip handwashing when nobody else is round, underscoring the position social accountability performs in hygiene compliance.

Whereas lathering up with cleaning soap and water is one of the best ways to clean arms, 44% of People admit to simply rinsing with water. Males usually tend to bypass cleaning soap than ladies (50% vs. 38%).

“For many individuals, the choice to clean their arms in a public restroom is influenced by the setting,” mentioned Jon Dommisse, vice chairman of enterprise improvement and technique for Bradley Firm. “If a restroom seems poorly maintained or understocked, it could discourage correct handwashing – at precisely the second when it issues most for public well being.”

Altogether, the 2026 findings paint a transparent image: People perceive the significance of handwashing and reply rapidly throughout heightened flu exercise, however sustaining these behaviors, particularly in public settings, stays a problem. Well being consultants proceed to emphasise that frequent, thorough handwashing all through the day, not simply throughout outbreaks, is likely one of the handiest methods to assist cut back the unfold of flu, colds, and different contagious diseases.

The annual Wholesome Handwashing Survey from Bradley queried 1,020 American adults Jan. 5–16, 2026, about their handwashing habits, issues about seasonal viruses, and their use of public restrooms. Members had been from across the nation and had been pretty evenly break up between ladies (55%) and males (44%); 1% chosen different.

For extra data, go to www.bradleycorp.com/handwashing.