If you cannot wash your hands immediately, what is the next best action to take?

Using a waterless hand sanitizer is an effective alternative when soap and water are not immediately available for hand hygiene. These sanitizers typically contain alcohol, which can effectively kill many types of germs and bacteria on the skin. This method is especially useful in situations where access to running water and soap is limited, such as in outdoor settings or during emergency situations.

The alcohol-based hand sanitizer should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective. It's important to apply enough product to cover all surfaces of the hands and to rub them together until they feel dry, ensuring that the sanitizer has had enough time to work effectively on the germs present.

Other options, such as using lotion, wiping hands on clothing, or rubbing hands together without any product, do not provide the necessary cleanliness and are less effective at reducing the presence of harmful microorganisms. Therefore, the best practice when immediate washing is not possible is to utilize a waterless hand sanitizer for maintaining hand hygiene.