COVID-19 is the new name for the disease caused by the recent coronavirus. In recent days a lot of information is being given regarding how to help limit Coronavirus (COVID-19) from harming you and your family. Possibly the most important thing to understand is that medical specialists agree on the statement that: Washing your hands with soap and water is one of the best practices to stay healthy and relieve your hands from unwanted germs.
World Health Organisation states that frequent washing with soap and water is effective at killing the virus. You should always carry tissues with you and use them while coughing or sneezing. Then throw the tissue, and wash your hands using a sanitizer gel.
Using hand sanitizer is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself from the coronavirus but only if you’ve been using it correctly. Hand gel sanitizers help in combating germs but traditional washing is still the most reliable method for this coronavirus outbreak. Experts conclude coronavirus spreads when an infected person coughs or breathes and droplets are scattered onto other humans or surfaces.
Although alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also inactivate various types of microbes very effectively when used perfectly, moreover it only works if you ensure that you are distributing the product accurately. Hand sanitizer should be applied to one palm before rubbing your hands together. While rubbing, the gel should be scattered all over the hands and fingers, covering all surfaces till the hands become completely dry. This process takes around 20 seconds.
Despite many advantages of sanitizer in protecting you against the coronavirus, this product should only be used when you’re on the go and don’t have access to soap. Soap and water are more efficient than hand sanitizers in removing certain kinds of germs, like norovirus, cryptosporidium, etc.
Various researches reveal that hand sanitizers work great in clinical settings like dispensaries, where hands get into contact with germs but usually are not massively soiled or greasy. This product, though, has been in huge demand as the coronavirus is spreading. Health administrators have suggested avoiding crowds, stocking up on groceries, and staying at home unless it becomes necessary to move out.
Types of Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizers are pocket-friendly, important, and germ-killing antiseptic solutions that keep you protected from infections. But, two types of hand sanitizer can guard you against the deadly coronavirus.
1) Alcohol-Based Sanitizer
Alcohol-based hand sanitizers have 60% to 90% alcohol that kills germs more efficiently. It is a quick solution that requires hand wash with water and is similar to non-alcohol based hand sanitizers. Both have related properties besides the fact that an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is far more effective in killing germs.
2) Non-Alcohol Sanitizer
This is a gel sanitizer that has less volume of alcohol content. It reduces infections and bacteria on your hands in a similar way as an alcohol-based sanitizer. Easy to carry in your pocket and can be used anytime.
How Long Do Hand Sanitizers Last?
A hand sanitizer is effective for not longer than six hours. Hand sanitizers containing 60% alcohol can kill 99.9% of germs. It is recommended that you use alcohol-based hand sanitizers for more safety. Hand sanitizers work as your health shield against germs and infections that can be fatal. Moreover, keep in mind the goal of why you need to have a hand sanitizer. It will prevent you from multiple airborne viruses and infections. Protect yourself by using it and live healthily.
Are Hand Sanitizers Effective Against Coronavirus?
So yes, hand sanitizers are effective against coronavirus, but they don’t provide complete protection. Coronavirus can spread through aerosols as well, so you need to maintain distance from someone who is sneezing or coughing.
Studies show that handwashing remains the golden standard when performed correctly. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands and clean under running water for 20 seconds. Drying your hands is also essential using a disposable cloth to assure they are completely dry. Researches show that disease transmission is more efficient via wet hands.
So, it can be concluded that hand sanitizers work effectively in maintaining hand hygiene.
When Should You Not Use Hand Sanitizer?
This part is also very important and you must keep it in mind. If your hands are visibly dirty or oily, the hand sanitizer won’t be as beneficial as it should be. The alcohol in it would not be able to penetrate the dirt and oils so it won’t efficiently reach the germs you are trying to kill. Studies also show that hand sanitizers may not be as efficient towards pesticides and heavy metals. If you have been around in a factory or warehouse, rely more on traditional handwashing.
Quick Takeaways:
- Choose hand sanitizers that contain at least 60% alcohol.
- Properly apply alcohol-based sanitizer by rubbing the gel over all surfaces of your hands and fingers until your hands are dry.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can cause alcohol poisoning if swallowed. Supervise their use and keep them out of reach of young children.
