It used to be easier to determine how much hand washing was excessive — but the COVID pandemic changed that. So what makes sense now?

In the early months of COVID in the United States, health authorities constantly reminded the public to wash their hands often, and well. Indeed, the CDC still reminds us that “Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.” Given the fear of the deadly virus, most Americans were eager to comply. But many wondered at times, “am I overdoing it?”