Hygiene Tips During a Pandemic
The Centers for Disease Control says hand washing is the single most important way to prevent the spread of illness. But it is critical to understand that proper handwashing is more than simple soap and water.Hand Hygiene
Washing your hands is the single most important way to prevent the spread of illness and in times like these, when COVID-19 (also known as Coronavirus) is quickly spreading, proper hygiene knowledge can save your life and the life of others.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds. You want to make sure that you wash and rub your hands completely with soap and water. Be sure to remove any rings or watches, wash up to your wrists and thoroughly rinse and dry your hands.
If you don’t have access to clean water and soap you can use hand sanitizer. It is important to look for ones with isopropyl or ethanol alcohol – the CDC recommends using hand sanitizers containing at least 60% alcohol. Apply liberally and rub hands together vigorously for up to 15 seconds. Whenever possible, protect your hands from coming in contact with germs.
Use Gloves Whenever Possible
When handling items that may have come in contact with germs, specifically those causing COVID-19, it is best to use gloves if you have access to them. If you don’t have access to gloves at home just remember to wash your hands after coming into contact with any infected items.
When it comes to surfaces, the CDC recommends a solution of one part household bleach to ten parts water. Spray the solution on the surface and let it sit for five minutes before wiping clean. You can also use other common household cleaners recommended by the CDC to clean and disinfect surfaces.
Washing Dishes & Laundry
Wash dishes in warm, soapy water or in the dishwasher. You don’t need to do anything special with that. Laundry can be done with everybody else’s laundry; it’s not something that needs to be separated, but you don’t want to carry it close to your chest. It is best to bundle your laundry and hold it out away from your face. Always wash your hands as soon as you’re done.
Coughing Etiquette
Coughing into one’s hands is a leading culprit in spreading a virus. Coughing on your hands leads to germs on everything that you touch; from doorknobs to telephones to other people’s hands. To control the spread of germs causing Coronavirus, we must learn a new way to cough. It is important to cough directly into your elbow so that you don’t spread any germs to other surfaces and people. Remember to also avoid touching your face, nose or mouth.
The Coronavirus can be a great threat to one’s health and it is spreading rapidly. The bottom line is to keep your hands as clean as possible by adequately washing them to stop the virus from spreading.