At present, the world is engaged in a battle, against the dreaded COVID-19. Every day, lives are lost to the virus. While the disease is yet to be contained, many countries including India is putting up a tough fight against the pandemic. While the governments do whatever they can to curb the menace, as individuals, our actions can be decisive. The most important thing we can do in our fight against the Coronavirus is to wash our hands at regular intervals using soap and water. Let’s find out why we need to wash our hands, how to wash them, and how important it is to wash them.
Why do we need to wash our hands?
Coronavirus is a respiratory virus. COVID-19 spreads when mucus or droplets containing the virus get into our bodies through eyes, nose, or throat. Most often, the virus enters our body through our hands after touching the contaminated surfaces. By washing hands frequently using soap and water, we can prevent getting infected as well as spreading the infection to other people.
When should we wash our hands?
While there are innumerable contexts in day-to-day life that require us to wash our hands, in the context COVID-19, it’s mandatory to wash our hands during the following times:
• After blowing the nose, coughing or sneezing
• After vising a public place
• After touching surfaces outside the home, including money
• Before, during and after caring for a sick person
• Before and after eating
How should we wash our hands?
The purpose of washing hands is to keep off the virus. Naturally, we should wash our hands thoroughly and meticulously. Here’s how we need to go about washing our hands:
• After applying enough water and soap, rub palms together
• Rub the back of both hands
• Interface fingers and rub the back of fingers with both hands
• Interlock fingers and rub the back of fingers with both hands
• Rub thumb in a rotating manner
• Rub the area between the index finger and thumb for both hands
• Rub fingertips on the palm with both hands
• Rub both wrists in a rotating manner
• Rinse and dry thoroughly
How long should we wash our hands?
We should wash our hands thoroughly for 20 to 30 seconds adhering to all the steps described above.
Do we need to dry our hands with a towel?
The virus transmits easily from wet skin than dry skin. Hence, it’s important to dry our hands using a towel.
When should we use a hand sanitizer?
Hand sanitizer is an effective alternative in the absence of water and soap. Precisely, they come handy when we are outside where there’s no provision to wash our hands.
What needs to be considered while choosing a hand sanitizer?
We need to make sure that the hand sanitizer we choose contains at least 60% alcohol.
Remember, during these times of global pandemic, the easiest, the cheapest and the most important way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are to wash our hands regularly, using soap and water. So, let’s wash off the virus and stay safe!
Dr. M R K Ravi Chandra | Consultant Internal Medicine, Pulmonology | Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center, Bommasandra, Bangalore