As the COVID-19 pandemic persists, continuing to focus on health practices that reduce your risk of contracting the illness in any form is essential. While face masks and social distancing continue to be prominent practices, one that isn’t as heavily emphasized is washing your hands. But when it comes to hand-washing, what are the right tips that will ensure you’re getting all the germs each time? Here are three hand-washing tips in the age of COVID-19 that will serve to defend you against the coronavirus and other viruses that are circulating.
- Know that any soap will kill germs and keep your hands clean.
Those who want to keep their hands clean often believe that the best way is to use antibacterial soap. However, there’s no current research that antibacterial soap is more effective than any other plain soap or handwash on the market. With that in mind, you’ll likely want to use a more natural solution that’s focused on overall hand health rather than just getting clean. Some of the best hand wash products will use natural ingredients like lavender, pink grapefruit, and aloe to keep your hands clean, smooth, and healthy. More importantly, these products don’t contain harmful fragrances or additives found in bacterial hand soap or soap that’s not designed for regular hand washing. If you want soft hands and a great fragrance without harming your skin in the process, go with an organic hand wash.
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when you have the opportunity.
If you’re around people who you know are infected or if you’re out in public and you’re touching things that others may have contaminated, it’s always a good idea to wash your hands as soon as possible and avoid making direct contact with your face. When you do wash your hands, it’s advised that you spend at least 20 seconds thoroughly washing them to ensure that you’ve eliminated any potential contaminants. If you don’t have the ability to access soap and water, hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is a suitable replacement until you are able to wash your hands. This is the most effective way to avoid becoming sick and to reduce the spread of germs, no matter what they may be.
- Wash your hands before and after making contact with food and individuals.
Washing your hands, in general, is a great way to make sure that you’re protecting yourself against the cold, flu, and other potential illnesses that you may pick up somewhere during your day-to-day life. Of course, not everyone may know exactly when they should be engaging in this activity to keep themselves and others safe and healthy. As a general rule, it’s always best to wash your hands both before and after you make contact with food items or care for someone who may be ill and who may pass on germs to you. You should also make sure that you wash your hands before and after you treat any wounds on your body.
If you use the bathroom, blow your nose, handle garbage or waste, or touch pet food, these are instances where hand-washing can be beneficial to your overall health as well. It may be a change for some people who were a bit less cautious prior to COVID-19, but it’s a regular activity that will help you preserve your health.
Washing your hands regularly is key to staying safe in the age of COVID-19. Use the three tips above to make sure that you’re using the right products and engaging in the right practices to protect yourself from all germs you may come in contact with throughout the day.
