School “hand hygiene” plan shows no asthma benefit

NEW YORK, Oct 25: An arsenal of hand sanitizers, hygiene education and good old-fashioned soap failed to prevent asthma attacks among school children in one Alabama county. For children with asthma, the common cold is the top trigger of symptom attacks. So in theory, cleaner hands at school could mean fewer colds being passed around – and fewer asthma attacks. (agencies)