Avoid catching Coronavirus by following these hygiene steps
The Coronavirus is a cold virus and despite it being very contagious, Coronavirus or Covid-19 is relatively easy to kill. It survives longer on some surfaces more than others but simple disinfectants or a mild bleach spray can quickly destroy it. Therefore, the good news is that with some persistent hygiene habits, everyone can take real steps to keep themselves safe and collectively help to contain this disease whilst we wait for a vaccine.
How is Covid transmitted?
The virus is spread from the respiratory droplets of an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It can also be picked up by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. Depending on the surface, the virus may survive for a few hours up to several days, it is particularly persistent on plastic surfaces. After 72 hours, it is significantly weaker but still present.
Here are some personal hygiene habits to follow in your daily routine:
- Wash your hands regularly using soap and water. Hand washing should last for a minimum of 20 seconds
- You should wash your hands during and after cooking, after using the toilet, following eating and every time you return home from a trip outside
- Keep a hand sanitiser in your car and clean your hands every time you get in it and after any outside trip
- If you cough or sneeze, catch it in a tissue, wrap it another piece of clean tissue and then immediately throw it away before washing your hands thoroughly or using hand sanitiser if you are not at home
- Communal surfaces in the home should be wiped frequently with an anti-bacterial spray
- If you can, leave your car for 72 hours before you use it again. Clean all the handles and in-contact plastic surfaces so the seat belt, hand brake and steering wheel with a disinfectant spray
Good and persistent hygiene habits help protect you, your immediate family and those you come into contact with. For more advice and personal protective products visit Touchwood Pharmacy.