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Survey results show that nearly two-thirds of adults expressed concern about H1N1 flu, but only one-third of respondents said they changed their overall hygiene habits in response to the growing concerns about H1N1.
"Now is not the time to let our guard down when it comes to cleaning our hands," says Nancy Bock, Soap and Detergent Association vice president of education.
Among the good news of the survey: 50 perent say they wash their hands more than 10 times per day (up from 36 percent). Across the board, more Americans claim to always wash their hands before eating lunch, after coughing or sneezing and after using the bathroom.
However, while 62 percent of women are washing more than 10 times per day, only 37 percent of men are doing the same. But even those who are washing their hands may not be washing properly, as 46 percent of respondents wash their hands for 15 seconds or less (on par with 2008).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds to help decrease the transmission of disease-causing germs, including those that cause H1NI, aka Swine Flu.
"The H1N1 pandemic is real. Cold and flu season is on its way. With common sense hygiene practices, good health is literally in our hands," says Bock.
The CDC also suggests using alcohol-based hand sanitizers as a means of preventing the spread of the flu virus.
The Report Card is based on a series of hygiene-related questions asked of 888 Americans during a telephone survey conducted by Echo Research.
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