Amid headlines that stores are selling out of hand sanitizer much more quickly than they can stock their shelves, many people are left wondering if they’re ill-equipped without disinfecting products on hand. While it’s never a bad idea to be prepared for any situation, the good news is that regular soap and water will do the trick.
Read up on these three important facts to help prevent the spread of illnesses like Coronaviruses.
Washing with Soap and Water Is Best
Whenever possible, wash your hands with soap and water instead of using rinse-free sanitizers. Scrubbing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to get rid of germs. However, hand sanitizer can work in a pinch if you’re out and about and don’t have access to water.
Use Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers
If you are going to stock up on hand sanitizer, make sure the product you choose contains at least 60% alcohol, as recommended by the CDC. Products without alcohol are not known to be effective at killing bacteria and viruses. So while essential oils can add a nice fragrance, they shouldn’t be relied on as the active ingredient in a sanitization product.
Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits
Basic hygiene habits can go a long way when preventing the spread of disease. These include things like:
- Covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Washing your hands after blowing your nose, before you eat, etc.
- Disinfecting your phone regularly.
- Not bringing your phone with you into the bathroom.
- Staying home from work or school if you feel sick.
Summary
Keeping these tips in mind can help to prevent the spread of a variety of diseases, including COVID-19. Do not hesitate to contact your medical professional if you have further questions or concerns or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
