ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES WEARING GLOVES DURING A PANDEMIC A DVANTAGES - Acts as a barrier and an extra layer over hands that are contaminated with pathogenic organisms - Can be useful if someone returns to work and is recovering from a virus - Protects sensitive hands - Improves hand grip D ISAD VANTAGES - Can be contaminated themselves and can cause cross contamination if the glove had touched any other s urfaces ( e.g. door knobs, phones, light switches, elevator buttons) - Can create illusion of false security in mind of wearer - May not be changed frequently enough - May be incorrectly or inappropriately used BOTTOM LINE: don ’ t wear gloves unless you are sick and are trying to contain your own pathogens. Wearing gloves when you ar e not s ick can lead to cross - c ontamination and less hand washin g/sanitizing.