i agree it's not a substitute but it's awfully useful to use when running errands and being forced to enter a pin on a keypad or use one of those attached 'pens' to electronically sign for something (i carry my own pen with me for traditional writing). i use hand sanitizer after these activities and i also like to after i've done my grocery shopping b/c people take items off shelves, put them back on shelves, put them near their faces (to sniff for scents)....produce is the worst b/c people pick it up, squeeze it, dig through it for what they are searching for.....