Spread Hope – Use Soap!
The spread of COVID– 19 is very concerning for everyone, but especially for the most vulnerable in our society.
When we are under threat, we tend to search for what we – often mistakenly – perceive to be the most powerful agent available to defend us. In the case of infectious diseases, such as COVID -19, there is widespread belief that hand sanitiser is the most powerful tool there is to prevent transmission.
Not so!
It is scientifically proven that the best way to decontaminate our hands is by using soap and water.
Soap is effective against viruses because:
- The weakest part of a virus is the bilipid (fat) membrane. Soap dissolves this layer and so the virus disintegrates.
- The action of rubbing our hands (using the correct steps) and rinsing under water then washes the virus away.
Simple!
When soap and water is not easily accessible, such as for healthcare workers at point of care, then hand sanitiser is a helpful alternative. However, evidence shows that if our hands are not already free from grime or dirt, then using a sanitiser results in ineffective decontamination.
‘Sanitised hands’ may not be sanitary at all, and indeed may increase transmission. The same goes for gloves that are worn unnecessarily.
Washing our hands with soap and water also reduces the chemical load on our skin, which is welcome news for healthcare workers.
Knowing when to clean our hands and which method to use will give us the best protection and prevent transmission of infection to others.
We have on our side a method that has been around for centuries. It is simple, cheap, readily available, environmentally friendly and our most powerful weapon in our fight against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases – soap and water.
So, choose soap and use soap to stop COVID -19.
Remember –
Know when to wash your hands.
Know how to wash your hands.
Use soap and spread hope!
