Maybe not dishpan hands but I think Ive got H1N1 hands. I always do a good job washing up, but it seems like Im washing multiple times in the course of a visit rather than just at the end. And my hands are paying the price- but I suppose thats better than my lungs.

So as we all wait for vaccines- let's continue to wash away... keeping in mind that we should be good handwashers even after we're vaccinated against every virus under the sun.

My question to you, then: Should you wash with hot or cold water? And how about some other handwashing tidbits.?

1. You cant make the water hot enough to kill germs although some say the warmer the better, since higher temperature water may help remove skin oils that germs love to attach to. Overall, however, its the washing that counts, not the temperature. Use what you like.

2. Soap or no soap? Soap- helps the germs slide off the skin. Antibacterial- not any better.

3. Lather or not? Probably lather. Once again, helps the germs slide off the skin.

4. Time: minimum 20 seconds. 30 probably best.

5. Most important area: fingernails. Germs love cuticles, the edges, and areas under the nails.

6. Towel or drier? Paper towel since the running action removes more germs and moisture that may contain germs. The blower may be a little less effective.

7. Gel or water? Probably soap and water, though I dont have a sink in my pocket as I walk around touching things all day. A little hand sanitizer goes a long way.