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Wash your hands with soap and water to best limit the spread of Covid-19. If this is not possible, hand disinfectants can be used. However, it is important to know what ingredients the disinfectants should contain.
There has been a plethora of social media videos about hand sanitizer manufacturing at home in recent days. In fact, in the fight against Covid-19, we are always recommended to practice good hygiene, especially regular hand cleaning with soap or disinfectants to keep them germ-free.
There are many misunderstandings about hand sanitizers that exploded during this pandemic. Before we examine these misunderstandings and the risks involved, let's take a look at the science behind soap and disinfectants. To understand why something simple like soap or disinfectant works, we need to look at the expression "as dissolved as".
We know from practical experience (e.g. washing dishes) that oil or fat cannot be mixed well with water. Based on the "as solved as" principle, fats do not dissolve in water since fat molecules and water molecules are not the same.
When washing up, we add soap to the water to remove fat from food residues. It works because soap has a special molecular structure. Soap is made from fat in a process called saponification. During this process, the fat molecules are changed so that one end of the molecule is much more like water.
This structural change gives soap molecules a double personality: they can behave like fat and like water. In scientific terms, we say that it is polar (like water) and non-polar (like fat). Because of this interesting quality / dual personality, we can use soap to dissolve the fat in water. Fat interacts with the non-polar end of the soap molecule, while water interacts with the polar end.
Covid-19, like many other viruses, has a protective greasy coating on the outside. If we wash our hands with soap and water, this layer of fat is destroyed and the virus is killed. Any soap can be used, it does not have to be an antibacterial soap.
Antibacterial soap contains special molecules that can break down bacteria, but Covid-19 is a virus, not a bacterium (which is why antibiotics cannot be used to treat patients with Covid-19). While hand washing is the best way to limit the spread of Covid-19, it is not always possible or practical to wash your hands with soap and water. In these cases, hand disinfectants can be used.
Hand disinfectants contain alcohol molecules that also dissolve the protective fatty layer of the virus. There are many different types of alcohol molecules, and the simplest are called methanol, ethanol and propanol. The atoms (that is, the building blocks) that make up propanol can rearrange and form another alcohol molecule known as isopropanol. All of these alcohols have different molecular structures and therefore behave differently.
For safety reasons, ethanol and isopropanol are only used in hand disinfectants. When reading the disinfection labels, it can be confusing to know which alcohols have been used because common names or synonyms are often used. For example, ethanol can be referred to as ethyl alcohol. Hand disinfectants obtained from trusted sources must contain ethanol or isopropanol, as manufacturers must test and test their products before they can be marketed.
Ethanol has the same chemical structure as alcohol, while isopropanol is often used in spirits or cleaning alcohol. Because ethanol or isopropanol can leave the skin dry, hand disinfectants add glycerin (the chemical name for what we call glycerin). Glycerin is non-toxic and can soften or soothe the skin. From a scientific point of view, we say that it is a plasticizer. Interestingly, glycerin is a by-product of the soap making process. Glycerin is also responsible for the sticky feeling on the hands after using disinfectants.
You should never add water to hand sanitizers to make them less sticky or to last longer. This reduces the alcohol content and makes hand disinfectants less effective or completely ineffective.
It's not as easy to make your own hand sanitizer at home as some social media videos suggest. Security is the main concern. You must be trained to use pure chemicals and take special precautions. You may also find it difficult to find some of the ingredients listed in the myriad of recipes available online.
To be effective, hand sanitizers must contain at least 70% alcohol, which makes them highly flammable. Therefore, you should never use or keep hand sanitizers near an open flame or heat source, and never attempt to light them on purpose.
One of the many misunderstandings about hand sanitizers is that the color of the flame that is created when lit indicates whether it is safe to use. This is extremely dangerous and should never be attempted. When using a hand sanitizer, rub your hands together until they are completely dry. At this point, all alcohol molecules should have evaporated and you can safely continue.
When making a hand sanitizer, the goal is to get a product that works as expected but is also safe to use. It's not as easy to make your own hand sanitizer at home as some social media videos suggest. Security is the main concern. You must be trained to use pure chemicals and take special precautions. You may also find it difficult to find some of the ingredients listed in the myriad of recipes available online.
When cooking or baking, we often become creative or innovative when replacing ingredients. Unfortunately, when we do chemistry, replacing ingredients with something "similar" can result in a dangerous and ineffective disinfectant, or both. At home, washing your hands with normal soap is much safer than trying to make your own hand sanitizer.
There is a simple experiment to show young children how important it is to wash their hands with soap. Put some water in a bowl first. Sprinkle some dried herbs in the bowl (most float on water, do not mix). Tell your child that herbs are "germs". Ask your child to put a finger (clean and dry) in the mixture. Some of the "germs" stick to this finger. Now use your other hand (always clean and dry) and put your finger in liquid soap (e.g. liquid detergent or hand washing liquid) before adding it to the water and herb mixture.
Herbs will now drift off your finger! The science behind it is a little different, but also interesting. In this case, soap breaks the surface tension of water (surface tension is the scientific term that can also describe why a stomach bump really hurts in a pool).
Stay safe and remember to wash your hands regularly.DM
Dr. Elize Smit is a professor in the Department of Chemical Sciences of the Faculty of Science at the University of Johannesburg.
What is the probability of getting Covid-19?(Provided by MSN)
Because COVID-19 poses a threat to global health and the new coronavirus is spreading to all continents except Antarctica, the World Health Organization (WHO) has created a list of questions and answers to address common concerns. . Click to show.
(Photo) The utility room is disinfected to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on March 3 in Tbilisi, Georgia.
All subtitles from the WHOwebsite .The organization is evaluating ongoing research on COVID-19 diffusion modes and will continue to share its new findings.
What is a corona virus?
Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. It is known that several coronaviruses cause respiratory infections in humans, ranging from colds to more severe diseases such as the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes the coronavirus disease COVID-19.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the most recently discovered infectious disease caused by the coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the epidemic started in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
(Photo) Passengers wear protective masks at Hankou Station in Wuhan on January 22nd.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, fatigue, and dry cough. Some patients may experience pain, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. These symptoms are generally mild and start gradually. Some people are infected but do not develop symptoms and do not feel well. Most people (around 80%) recover from the disease without special treatment. Approximately one in six people who receive COVID-19 become seriously ill and have difficulty breathing. Older people and people with underlying diseases such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes are more likely to develop serious illnesses. About 2% of people with the disease have died. People with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should see a doctor.
(Photo) Health workers monitor the body temperature of passengers who arrived on February 26 on a flight from Milan (Italy) to Balice (Poland).
How is COVID-19 transmitted?
Humans can get COVID-19 from others with the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small nasal or oral drops that spread when someone with COVID-19 coughs or expires. These drops fall on objects and surfaces around the person. Then other people catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also get COVID-19 if they inhale the drops from someone with COVID-19 who coughs or exhales. It is therefore important to be more than a meter away from a sick person.
(Photo) Marylou Sudders, Minister of Health and Human Services in Massachusetts, shows how to properly treat a sneeze at a press conference on March 2 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Can the virus responsible for COVID-19 be transmitted by air?
Previous studies suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is primarily transmitted through contact with droplets of breath and not through air.
(Photo) A pedestrian wears a face mask on January 29 in Toronto, Canada.
Can COVID-19 be caught by someone who has no symptoms?
The disease is mainly transmitted through droplets of breath that are expelled by a coughing person. The risk of getting COVID-19 from a person with no symptoms is very low. However, many people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms. This is especially true in the early stages of the disease. Therefore, it is possible to get COVID-19 from someone who, for example, has a mild cough and does not feel bad.
(Photo) A woman wears a protective mask in Rome on February 28.
Can I get COVID-19 from someone's chair with the disease?
The risk of getting infected with COVID-19 in the stool of an infected person appears to be low. Although initial research suggests that the virus may be present in feces in some cases, spreading this way is not a key feature of the epidemic. Since this is a risk, it is another reason to wash your hands regularly after using the bathroom and before eating.
(Image) Bruce Aylward, team leader of the WHO-China joint mission to COVID-19, speaks at a press conference in Geneva on February 25.
What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of diseases?
Keep up to date with the latest information on the Covid 19 outbreak, which is available on the WHOwebsite and from your national and local health authorities. COVID-19 continues to primarily affect people in China with some outbreaks in other countries. Most infected people have a mild illness and recover, but it can be more serious for others.
Click here for more information on protective measures.
(Image) A poster reminding people to wash their hands can be seen on February 6 in front of a bedroom at the Washington State Patrol Fire Department training academy in North Bend, USA.
How likely is it that I will get COVID-19?
The risk depends on where you live or your last trip. The risk of infection is highest in areas where multiple people have been diagnosed with COVID-19. More than 95% of all COVID-19 cases occur in China, most of them in Hubei province. People in most other parts of the world are currently at low risk of developing COVID-19. However, it is important to be aware of the situation and preparation efforts in your region.
(Photo) A crew member sprayed disinfectant on the seats of a Thai Airways plane on January 28.
Should I be worried about COVID-19?
If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading, or if you have not traveled from one of these areas or have not had close contact with a person who suffers and feels sick, your chances are that you will get it , currently low. However, it is understandable that you feel stressed and concerned about the situation. It is a good idea to get the data so you can pinpoint your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Your healthcare provider, national health authority, and employer are potential sources of specific information about COVID-19 and when it is nearby. It is important to be informed of the situation in which you live and to take appropriate measures to protect yourself.
If you are in an area with a COVID-19 outbreak, you should take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the instructions of the national and local health authorities. Although COVID-19 causes only minor illnesses in most people, it can make some people seriously ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people and people with pre-existing health problems (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes) seem to be more susceptible. (See Safeguards for people who have visited or visited the areas where COVID-19 has spread recently (within the past 14 days) .)
(Photo) Indians who were deported from Wuhan by air after the epidemic are waiting to receive clearance certificates from a quarantine facility in New Delhi on February 17.
Who is at risk of developing a serious illness?
While we're still learning how COVID-2019 affects people, older people and people with pre-existing conditions (like high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes) seem to develop more often than other serious illnesses. .
(Photo) A respiratory specialist reads a patient's scanner in Wuhan on February 23.
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses, but only against bacterial infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work. Antibiotics should not be used to prevent or treat COVID-19. They should only be used to treat a bacterial infection as directed by a doctor.
(Photo) A customer checks the masks in a pharmacy in Buenos Aires, Argentina on March 3.
Is there a vaccine, drug, or treatment for COVID-19?
Not yet. So far, there are no specific vaccines and antiviral drugs to prevent or treat COVID-2019. However, those affected must be treated carefully to relieve the symptoms. Seriously ill people should be hospitalized. Most patients recover through supportive care.
Potential vaccines and certain specific drug treatments are currently under investigation. They are tested in clinical studies. WHO coordinates efforts to develop vaccines and medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19.
The most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to wash your hands often, cover your cough with your elbow or disposable handkerchiefs, and keep at least one meter away from people who cough or sneeze. For more information, see the basic safeguards against the new corona virus.
(Photo) A researcher works on January 31 in a laboratory at the Philipps University in Marburg to develop a vaccine.
Do I have to wear a mask to protect myself?
People without respiratory symptoms such as cough do not have to wear a medical mask. The WHO recommends the use of masks for people with symptoms of COVID-19 and for people who care for people with symptoms such as cough and fever. The use of masks is critical for health workers and people caring for someone (at home or in a health center).
The WHO recommends the rational use of medical masks in order to avoid unnecessary waste of valuable resources and the improper use of masks (see tips on using masks ). Only wear a mask if you have respiratory problems (coughing or sneezing), if you suspect a COVID-19 infection with mild symptoms or if you are caring for someone suspected of having COVID-19 infection. Suspected COVID-19 infection is related to travel to areas where cases have been reported or close contact with someone who has traveled to those areas and has become ill.
The most effective way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 is to wash your hands often, cover your cough with your elbow or disposable handkerchiefs, and keep at least one meter away from people who cough or sneeze. . For more information, see the basic safeguards against the new corona virus.
(Image) Workers pack protective masks in Ahmedabad, India on February 3.
What is the incubation period for COVID-19?
The "incubation period" refers to the time between the capture of the virus and the appearance of symptoms of the disease. Most estimates of the COVID-19 incubation period range from one to 14 days, mostly around five days. These estimates will be updated as new data become available.
(Photo) Workers installed beds in an exhibition center that became a hospital in Wuhan on February 4.
Can humans become infected with COVID-19 from animal sources?
Corona viruses are a large family of viruses that are common in animals. In rare cases, people become infected with these viruses, which can then be passed on to others. For example, SARS-CoV has been associated with civet and MERS-CoV is transmitted by dromedary camels. Possible animal sources for COVID-19 have yet to be confirmed.
Avoid direct contact with animals and surfaces that come into contact with animals, for example to protect yourself when visiting live animal markets. Ensure good food safety practices at all times. Handle raw meat, milk, or animal parts with care to avoid contamination of raw foods and consumption of raw or uncooked animal products.
Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet?
No. There is no evidence that pets or pets, such as cats and dogs, have been infected or can transmit the virus that causes COVID-19.
(Photo) Dogs with masks are seen in a stroller in Shanghai, China on February 19.
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
It is not known how long the virus that causes COVID-19 survives on surfaces, but it appears to behave like other coronaviruses. Studies indicate that coronaviruses (including preliminary information about the COVID-19 virus) can remain on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This can vary under different conditions (e.g. surface type, ambient temperature or air humidity).
If you suspect that a surface is infected, clean it with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Wash your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant or wash with soap and water. Do not touch your eyes, mouth, or nose.
(Photo) A protective equipment specialist sprays an antiseptic solution on February 26 in Seoul, South Korea.
Is it safe to receive a package from a region where COVID-19 has been reported?
Yes. There is little likelihood that an infected person will contaminate commercial products, and the risk of getting infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, transported and subjected to different conditions and temperatures is also low .
(Photo) Employees sort packages on February 5 in a logistics center of the Russian Post in Moscow.
Is there anything you shouldn't be doing?
The following measures are NOT effective against COVID-2019 and can be harmful:
Smoke
Take traditional herbal remedies
Wear multiple masks
Take self medication as an antibiotic
In all cases, if you have a fever, cough and shortness of breath, see a doctor early to reduce the risk of a more serious infection and be sure to tell your doctor about your recent travel history. The Health.
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