By | Samantha Leonie | June 4, 2020

Talking specifically about the handwashing, doctors have recommended that it is the first line of defense against the Novel Coronavirus. It is the most important practice that keeps the virus away from our bodies. Medical experts have given multiple examples about how the germs of Coronavirus spread through hands, entering into our bodies, and making our respiratory system ill. It is indeed one of those micro bacterias that cannot be seen by our naked eyes but still damages our lungs and respiratory system and leads to death.

How Coronavirus Germs Spread

It is a known fact that germs are those microparticles that can spread in any medium, be it air or water or any other medium. It can quickly spread at an exponential rate entering in those mediums.

However, in Novel Coronavirus, researchers have found conclusively that it is not an airborne disease. It simply does not spread through the air, but very quickly through surfaces. It can spread through paper tissue, custom bags, cardboard, general clothing, stainless steel, and every other stuff it can come into contact with. The virus not only spreads to those surfaces but also keeps laying there for a tremendous amount of time. Here is the illustration of how long the deadly Coronavirus stays on different surfaces.

So, whenever we touch any of these surfaces, the germs stick into our hands and get inside our bodies when we touch our face, eyes, etc. That is how quickly it spreads from human to human through different surfaces, making it a lethal disease that can’t be seen or diagnosed quickly at once.

How Soap Tackle Germs

In order to stay protected from these Coronavirus germs, washing hands with soap is recommended as the best procedure to follow. It is indeed a sort of thing which not only works during these kinds of outbreaks but also in normal circumstances to keep our hands clean from the wide variety of disease-causing microbes.

Specifically, in the current Covid-19 pandemic, washing hands with soap has even become more important, as it can reduce the rate of germs transmission into the body. According to a renowned Virologist and Senior Research Scientist at Unilever, germs can be easily treated by washing hands for at least 20 seconds, that too with complete removal and cure.

So, this makes the point clear that washing hands with soap is an EXTREMELY important measure we all have to take right now to break this chain of Coronavirus pandemic. It just takes 20 seconds to wash hands, and that’s all. Here is an illustration of how washing hands can remove out germs in a matter of seconds.

Hand Washing the Right Way

In order to eradicate germs completely from your hands, a quick rinse or scrub won’t be just enough. Instead, you need some amount of time to thoroughly wash your fingers, nails, and palm to complete the job. Here is a step by step process that you must need to know in order to wash your hands safely.

• Completely wet your hands with the running tap of water.
• Thoroughly rinse your hands with soap for at least 10 seconds.
• Always remember to thoroughly scrub all the possible surfaces of your hand, including the back, front, fingers end, and under nails.
• Once done, wash your hands completely with the running tap for at least 10 seconds more.
• Afterward, dry your hands with the towel and then close the tap.

When to Wash Your Hands

If seen in the context of the current Coronavirus pandemic, it is necessary to wash your hands when you go out even for 5 minutes. Because as defined above, these Covid-19 germs can be laid on any surface you touch while staying out. It could be on the elevator button, subway bars, shop gates, and everywhere else. Hence, you must take protective measures and wash your hands every time you come home, as it is only good for you and your family.

Apart from that, you should also wash hands even after your sneeze and cough, as it is also one of the primary sources of spreading the virus to others. When you sneeze or cough, your hands come in contact with your nose and face, which is the source of that virus’s emission. And afterward, when you touch other things like mugs, fridge, or any other component, the virus quickly gets transferred onto them, leaving other people in the home vulnerable to it.

Similarly, when you come home after meeting any sick person, always remember to wash your hands, as those people are also a significant source to transmit the virus. Regardless of their state, these sick people can contract viruses much quickly as compared to others and hence are a source for transmission to others & hand washing is imperative.

Utilize Other PPE Products

Besides washing your hands from time to time, you need to take other necessary protective measures as well, including the most use of PPE products like Face masks and hand sanitizers. Always remember to wear a Face mask when you are going outside, as well as take the hand sanitizer with you to apply on your hands from time to time. All of these things matter quite a lot not only in saving yourself but also your loved ones from the tragic Coronavirus.

Final Words

Hand washing regularly can be seen as a social job right now, to protect your family and friends because it is only one of those few little things that can help to contain the spread of Coronavirus. In these hard times, when everything is failing against the spread of this disease, it is our social responsibility to do whatever we can so that we can see a better tomorrow and a sun that is brighter than the days of this current pandemic. Remember to stock on extra disinfectants, soap boxes, and other cleaning supplies. And make a habit to use them without fail. 

Stay safe, stay home, and wash your hands!