“Now everyone is concerned about the proper use of antiseptics and disinfection. There is so much complex scientific and contradictory information around that it is very difficult to figure out what, why, how and how many times do you need to wash and wipe?"
Christina, 27
Expert answer:
How to protect yourself from coronavirus infection? There are two news about this: good and bad. The bad news is that the CoVid-19 coronavirus is quite tenacious and is able to remain active for many hours after it hits various surfaces, including electronic devices and clothing. The good news is that it is relatively easy to kill, unlike some other viruses, since its shell is made of fat. In fact, it is enough to degrease the surface in order to get rid of viruses.
The virus spreads mainly through airborne droplets, but infection can also occur through the fecal-oral route, so hand washing remains the main method of self-defense.
As everyone probably already knows, it is recommended to wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. How often? The most extreme advice I've seen these days is to wash your hands every ten minutes. I hasten to please, you don't need to do this so often! It is recommended to adhere to the usual rules of hygiene, but do it strictly, that is, wash your hands:
- After the toilet
- Before cooking
- After cooking
- Before eating
- After meal
- After going outside
- After contact with any objects in public areas.
Washing your hands with soap is the most effective way to get rid of the virus. Soap can be the most common: surfactants in it destroy the virus effectively, even if there are no additional components in the soap. However, antibacterial soap has no advantages.
Hand rubbing with antiseptics is an alternative disinfection method, but it should only be used when hand washing with soap is not available. An alcohol-based antiseptic should contain at least 60% ethanol. Chlorine-based hand antiseptics are not used as they may be harmful to the skin.
It is important to understand that the virus can live in any microcracks - therefore, alas, covering nails with varnish, and especially acrylic and gel coatings, can increase the risk of infection. It is for this reason that doctors and nurses working in operating rooms, dressing and intensive care units are not recommended to cover their nails with varnish and other coatings.
Regarding facial cleansing - the old rules are in force, you need to cleanse the skin twice a day using quality cleansers that include surfactants and remove dirt and excess oil from the skin. To date, there are no special recommendations or restrictions on the use of cleaning agents. It is recommended that you clean your face and wash your face every time you return from the street, visiting any public places or public transport.
It is also recommended today to wash your hair daily in case you are not in full quarantine. And don't forget to wash your pillowcases, bedding, and clothes often.
About the expert:
Orasmäe-Meder Tiina
Photo: Press Services Archives, Getty Images
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