While the coronavirus has been around since the 1960s, with the most dangerous strains emerging in 2003, this new strain, known as COVID-19, has everybody in panic mode. One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family against the coronavirus is to have a good hand-washing regimen. Everyone should be washing their hands often and correctly. Here’s everything you need to know about hand-washing.
How to wash your hands
Is hand sanitizer enough?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, alcohol-based hand sanitizers effectively reduce the number of microbes found on hands in many situations. It’s important to note that hand sanitizer does not eliminate all types of germs. The most effective hand sanitizers are those that have at least a 60% alcohol base — particularly for coronavirus, since the alcohol attacks the protective outer shell of the virus. The CDC also notes that hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are dirty or greasy — that means that using them after playing at the park or eating at a diner may not yield the results you want.
A Southern California mom of two, Lynee Port, says that with the panic and shortage of hand sanitizer going around due to the coronavirus, parents should really think about washing their hands, and save sanitizers for the people and places that need it. She went out and bought a ton of hand sanitizer as the panic about an impending pandemic set in.
”My purpose was to make sure our classrooms had enough,” she told Mom.com. “I worry that all the panic to buy hand sanitizer is going to leave public places like schools, churches, and community centers without.”
She makes a good point that we have to look out for each other to prevent the spreading of the virus and keeping our most vulnerable citizens protected. For those wondering if there is a difference between hand-washing for adults and kids, the answer is that both kids and adults can be equally lazy when it comes to this simple, lifesaving task. Everyone should be reminding each other to do this and do it right.
