H1N1 virus and influenza are being talked about every day, and all the doctors say to wash your hands.

What is the best way to do that though, hand sanitizer or soap?

One epidemiologist from Nationwide Childrens Hospital says it all depends on what you have on your hands.

If you actually have soiled material on your hand, either feces or blood, snot from a child, soap and water is the better way to go.

If you just need something to quickly disinfect your hands, alcohol gels are good for the vast majority of infections.

You need to make sure the hand sanitizer has 60% alcohol.

That is the exact right amount to fight germs.

According to the doctor, soap doesn't actually kill germs rather it's the physical motion of lathering and rinsing it off.

The nation reacts as the swine flu spreads throughout the United States. Keep up to date on the latest information and what you need to do to keep your family safe.