Bega's Dr Krishnankutty Rajesh speaks about the importance of hand washing when it comes to protecting yourself from COVID-19.
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Over the last few days I have had a chance to speak with quite a few patients as part of telephone consulting.
And many have questions about the COVID-19 precautions.
The ones that come up again and again are "why hand wash with soap" and "is something so simple enough to deal with such an efficient virus?"
The reason why hand washing is important is because the outer layer that protects the virus is made of lipid, which is basically fat.
Once that layer is affected, the virus cannot survive.
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Soap dissolves fat and the fact that the soap is in contact everywhere over the hands means that any viral particles which have managed to get attached to the skin will be removed with the foam and the repeated rubbing motions during the wash.
So, to emphasise again, regular hand washing with foaming soap and water for 20 seconds (while singing "happy birthday to you" twice) will destroy the fat layer that protects the virus and wash it away.
Anything less will just not be enough.
This is not the time for complacency.
There are plenty of videos on YouTube.
Yes, no-one is watching you and you can get away with not washing properly, not using soap, not doing the full 20 seconds.
In fact you can get away with a lot of things because no one is watching.
But if you have had contact with the virus somehow the one thing you will not get away from is the virus.
Soap is the only way at present.
Be safe. Use soap.
NSW Health's advice
NSW Health says the best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is the same as you would against any respiratory infection, for instance make sure you clean your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub.
All you need is water and a detergent (surfactant) such as:
- A bar of soap.
- Body wash.
- Shampoo.
NSW Health says it does not have to be an expensive brand, and it doesn't have to be marked "antibacterial".
If you are using hand sanitiser, it should contain 60 per cent alcohol or more.
Keep your nails short and clean, wash your tea towels often and consider avoiding wearing rings.
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