More and more new cases of illness, people are forced to stay at home and the governments of the countries are introducing stricter protective measures - the coronavirus has now intervened in the everyday lives of each of us. To protect yourself from infection, one isgood hand hygienean absolute must. Amid the panic, pharmacies and drugstores are full of people trying to stock up on hand sanitizer. But is it really that effective or not? What protects us better from viruses and bacteria - good old hand washing with soap and water or disinfectant? Which product is best for disinfecting your hands, as well as lots of other information and tips, can only be found in our article!
The coronavirus is primarily transmitted via droplets from sneezing, coughing and speaking. Infection is also possible through smear infections, for example if you touch cash that someone who has already been infected has previously touched. In addition, it has already been proven that the virus can last for hours or even days acan survive on surfaces. This is exactly why disinfecting and washing your hands is simply essential. The demand for disinfectants is so great that they are being sold on Amazon and eBay at a 220% markup. However, many people seem to have forgotten that washing with soap and water, followed by drying with a clean towel, is our best defense against bacteria and disease.
Disinfect hands - that's why soapy water is more effective
Soap and water are not only much cheaper than disinfectants, but also much more effective in the fight against viruses and germs. The coronavirus, like most enveloped viruses, consists of three main components – proteins, fats (lipids) and genetic information. The soap consists of water-attracting (hydrophilic) and water-repellent (lipophilic) components. The lipophilic substances are structurally similar to the lipids of the coronavirus and ensure that the pathogen's protective layer is completely dissolved when you wash your hands. In this way, the virus breaks down and is simply washed away by the water.
But in order to destroy the fatty layer, it is very important to wash your hands correctly and for long enough. According to health experts, we get the best results after about 20-30 seconds. And while we all wash our hands regularly, how often have you followed the recommended time? Only then can you be sure that the soap penetrates all the folds and removes the dirt. A cool and useful way to wash your hands long enough would be to do thisto sing a song in your head. It doesn't matter whether you use cold or warm water to disinfect your hands.
A 2010 scientific study by the World Health Organization found that as many as 69% of men and 35% of women do not wash their hands after using the toilet. Another study from Michigan State University found that 95% of people do not wash their hands long enough. Health experts agree that these numbers definitely need to change. According to recent research from Michigan State University, increasing hand washing at 10 airports in the US would reduce the spread of the coronavirus by 60%.
Washing your hands for 30 seconds kills all bacteria
Last week an experiment was conducted in the US comparing how clean hands are after thorough hand washing. To do this, the hands were creamed with Glo-Germ and photos were taken under UV light. The cream contains mineral oil that attaches to the germs and is only visible under UV light. In the left photo the hands are still unwashed and in the right one - after they have been washed for 30 seconds.
How exactly do hand disinfectants work?
Health experts and scientists recommend using hand sanitizer only when you're out and about and don't have access to a sink. However, they are not a better replacement for classic hand washing with soap and water. However, most people are unaware that disinfectants do not kill bacteria, but only neutralize them for a certain period of time. Or to put it another way – the bacteria remain on the hands and can revive at a later date.
In addition, there are many different types of disinfectants. Some, for example, are called “bactericidal” or “fungicidal” and only work against bacteria or fungi and are classified asProtection against the coronavirusunsuitable. Therefore, only use products that are labeled as “limited virucidal” and have an alcohol content of at least 60%. But to ensure that hand disinfectants have any effect, scientists say you need to use about 1 teaspoon of it and wet the entire hand. Then you have to rub the product in your hands for about 3-4 minutes and then let it air dry completely.
