Washing hands is the single most important way to avoid the swine flu, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Simple, right? Here's the dirty truth:

• Not so hot: Health groups often advise washing hands with hot, soapy water, but researchers have found that water temperature has no effect on how well handwashing eliminates bacteria. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says hot water is more effective than cold because it removes oils from the hand that can harbor bacteria. But a 2005 report in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found no evidence that hot water had any benefit. In other words, don't put off washing your hands if only cold water is available.

• The dope on soap: How many of us flick our hands under a trickling tap and think that will do? Water alone doesn't clean skin. Use soap, but if it's a bar, rinse it before and after using; it may hold bacteria from previous users. Antibacterial soap is no more effective at killing germs than regular soap.

• Hand sanitizer: Make sure it contains at least 60 percent alcohol. Alcohol-rub sanitizers can be just as effective as soap and water, according to the CDC. Antimicrobial wipes are another option, although they're not as effective, says the Mayo Clinic. The only time sanitizers won't work: when your hands are visibly dirty; that requires soap and water.

• Towel vs. dryer: A growing volume of research suggests paper towels are more hygienic than electric hand dryers. A 2008 study by the University of Westminster in London found that drying hands with a paper towel reduced bacteria by up to 76 percent. Bacteria was found to actually increase on the hands of those who used air dryers, plus the force from dryers was found to blow micro-organisms more than three feet across the room, possibly contaminating other people.

Get Smart offers a quick overview of health and medical topics in the news. Got a question or suggested topic? E-mail jmailander@MiamiHerald.com.

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