The world is seeing another spike in new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of infected to 124M as of this writing. Some countries are experiencing a second or third wave, while others are stuck in the first wave.
As the cases of coronavirus infections soar, it is important to always maintain proper hygiene to prevent contracting the virus. It is also important to get information from trusted sources as widespread misinformation about COVID-19 puts everyone at risk and adds to the stress of keeping yourself and your family safe.
Several researches are still being done about the COVID-19 virus, but we know for a fact that the virus is transmitted only through direct contact. This means people can get infected from getting in contact with respiratory droplets of an infected person, through coughing and sneezing, as well as touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Depending on the surface material, the virus may survive for a few hours up to several days.
The good news is that the virus is vulnerable to alcohol and simple disinfectants can kill it. Handwashing with soap and water also gets rid of the virus.
To help protect yourself and others from COVID-19, here are some hygiene tips you need to keep in mind all the time.
Table of Contents
Pay Attention To Personal Hygiene.
This has been repeated by health workers, doctors, and government officials more than a million times, but it bears repeating over and over again. Right now, hand hygiene is the best weapon in any battle between human and contagious disease.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in the absence of water and soap. Ensure that the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol. Rub your hands together for 20-30 seconds until your hands feel dry.
- Do not touch your face. It may be a lot harder than it sounds but it is necessary since the virus can only get in through your nose, mouth, and eyes. The average person touches their face 23 times every hour, mostly their mouth, eyes, or nose, so it requires conscious effort.
- Cover coughs and sneezes. If you don’t have a handkerchief or anything to cover your mouth with, the inside of your elbow or upper arm should.
- Stay home if you feel sick and seek appropriate medical guidance.
Disinfect Your Home.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces at home regularly as a precaution to minimize the risk of infection. High-touch surfaces include:
- Door handles
- Tables
- Chairs
- Handrails
- Kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Taps
- Toilets
- Light switches
- Mobile phones
- Computers,
- Tablets
- Keyboards
- Remote controls
- Game controllers
- Favorite toys
If a surface is dirty, use soap or detergent and water to clean it first. Then you can use a disinfectant product containing 70% alcohol or bleach. Do not use vinegar and other natural products because they are not effective in killing the virus. Follow instructions for safe and effective use of cleaning products. Wear gloves and make sure you have good ventilation.
Sometimes it can be difficult to find disinfectant products and wipes so you can continue to use soap and water. You may also use diluted household bleach solutions, depending on the surfaces you need to clean.
Handle your laundry properly.
It is currently not clear how long coronavirus can survive on fabric, but it is safe to assume that it can live for a few hours to several days. Remove your shoes when you get home and change into clean clothes immediately.
- Here are some tips for doing laundry at home:
- Wash bedsheets, towels, and clothes regularly.
- Don’t shake dirty laundry. It might spread viruses into the air.
- Use soap or detergent when doing laundry. You can also add bleach.
- Use the warmest water setting and dry items completely.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the laundry. Or you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash or disinfect your laundry bag and hamper.
Wrapping Up
COVID-19 is likely going to be with us for many months or years, even with the vaccines becoming available. Developing these habits can be a long-term strategy for keeping our family and home safe, not only from COVID-19 but other germs and viruses as well. Maintaining good hand hygiene and correct disinfection practices are habits that will arm us in our fight against coronavirus.