Stuffy trial: do hand sanitizers and masks keep families Flu-Free?

NCT ID NCT00448981

Completed Prevention Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving families educational materials, alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and surgical face masks could reduce the spread of colds and flu among household members. Researchers followed 2,788 people in 450 households in Northern Manhattan for 15 months. They tracked flu symptoms, lab-confirmed flu, and how much families knew about prevention.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Hand sanitizer and face masks
What this could lead to: If effective, this could show that simple, low-cost measures like hand sanitizers and masks help families reduce cold and flu transmission.
What could go wrong: This is a behavioral study, not a drug trial. Results may vary by household compliance, and the interventions may not work for everyone.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

respiratory tract infectious disorder common cold prevention target influenza prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COMMON COLD RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Columbia University School of Nursing

New York, New York, 10032, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.