To combat the COVID-19 pandemic that led to widespread lockdowns, thorough hand washing is a proven, essential strategy. Whether using soap or hand sanitizer, this simple habit has become a vital civic responsibility.
Certain viral illnesses spread primarily via hands, known as hand-borne transmission. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth can lead to infection—we touch our faces around 3,000 times daily on average. Regular hand washing is an effective barrier to prevent contagion.
Flu, colds, bronchitis, gastroenteritis, and COVID-19 (caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2) spread through respiratory secretions or direct hand contact with infected individuals. Contamination occurs from shaking hands, standing within a meter of someone coughing droplets, or touching surfaces like door handles, smartphones, shopping carts, elevator buttons, or bus rails.
Many viruses persist in the environment. Influenza and gastroenteritis viruses can survive for days on inert surfaces.
A study in the New England Journal of Medicine, highlighted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) on March 17, compared SARS-CoV-2 to the 2003 SARS-CoV-1 virus. Though fragile outdoors, SARS-CoV-2 remains detectable for 3 hours in aerosols and up to several days on plastics or stainless steel, influenced by temperature, humidity, and initial viral load.
Note: SARS stands for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
Beyond viruses, hands transmit bacteria and fungi. Meticulous hand washing guards against infections and protects vulnerable loved ones, especially during lockdowns.
The French Directorate General for Health (DGS) and Regional Health Agencies (ARS) emphasize frequent washing with soap and water or hydroalcoholic solutions to curb outbreaks.
A quick rinse and towel dry won't suffice. Follow these expert-recommended steps for effective cleaning.
To eliminate germs, use soap and water (lasting 40-60 seconds) or sanitizer. The soap method includes three phases: thorough rubbing, rinsing, and drying.
Sanitizer application takes 30 seconds with no rinse needed.
Always wash after using the toilet to prevent gastroenteritis. Do so after public transport or upon arriving home to remove accumulated germs.
Wash before cooking, handling raw meat, eating, or caring for children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. After sneezing or blowing your nose, it's crucial to protect others.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, wash more frequently. If skin dries out from repeated use of soap, water, or sanitizer, apply moisturizing hand cream.
When soap and water aren't available, hydroalcoholic gel or solution is ideal. A small amount disinfects hands in 30 seconds—rub until dry, no towel required.
These products block virus transmission by destroying viral, bacterial, and fungal strains. They are virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal.
Use them on public transport, at the office, in your car, or before meals. They're perfect for outdoor activities as a coronavirus barrier.
Options include pump dispensers, family sizes, pocket formats, gels, foams, scented or unscented varieties.
For sensitive skin and children, opt for 100% plant-based, alcohol-free, triclosan-free (no endocrine disruptors), petrochemical-free foams. Dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested, these eliminate microbes without irritation, safe for the whole family, including babies.
