Used Properly, Hand Sanitizer Is Your Best Back-Up Defense
While experts agree handwashing reigns supreme in the fight against novel coronavirus, when you’re out and about, a sink and soap might not be readily available. While on the go, hand sanitizer is the best readily available option to help you avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. But does it really work, and how does hand sanitizer work?
To answer the first question, yes – hand sanitizer can help protect you from coronavirus, but it should not be considered your first line of defense against COVID-19. And in choosing a hand sanitizer, it is important to note that not all hand sanitizers are created equal. In choosing a product it is important to make sure that it contains at least 60% alcohol.
This is because studies have shown that sanitizers with an alcohol concentration between 60–95% are more effective at killing germs than those with a lower alcohol concentration.Those with a lower alcohol content are more likely to reduce the growth of germs rather than kill them outright. So, does sanitizer actually kill coronaviruses?
The short answer is – most likely yes. All viruses have an outer membrane or envelope, that is known to be killed or inactivated by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. So, logic would follow that this would ring true for COVID-19 as well. Unfortunately, no matter how much hand sanitizer you use, you can still be infected while out in public if someone with coronavirus coughs or sneezes on you. But before and after entering the store, at least using sanitizer will help prevent you from transferring any of these particles from your hands to your face.
How To Use Hand Sanitizer Properly:
– The CDC recommends first covering your hands with sanitizer.
– Next, rub your hands together until they’re dry; this should take about 20 seconds.
References:
https://www.livescience.com/hand-sanitizer.html
https://www.prevention.com/health/a31225112/does-hand-sanitizer-kill-coronavirus/
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