Knowing which one is best for you
With the Fit to Fly Covid-19 cases rising locally and internationally, staying safe is the wisest thing to do. To fight the outbreak, several ways have been suggested. This includes getting an RT-PCR home kit, wearing face masks, and using a hand cleanser. A sanitiser is one of the most demanded items in the world right now. It is used before getting a hormone test done as well. In addition, more and more people are turning to sterilisers as a hygiene option to stop the spread of the disease. They are effective in keeping hands clean and disinfecting them from contaminated surfaces. Researchers recommend regular washing of hands with soap or disinfectant to avoid the spread.
Is it better than Using Soap And Water?
Despite the increase in demand for these products, washing your hands with soap and water is the most important thing. Whether you travel on public transport or in a shopping store, washing hands with soap and water is highly effective. Wash your hands with soap, especially before taking RT-PCR test samples. However, TTR shows that disinfectants are recommended for combating viral droplets such as saliva and not for dirty hands. They are also recommended where there is a shortage of water and soap.
Hand sanitiser is used before taking RT-PCRs and hormone tests to avoid contamination of the samples taken for screening.
Things to consider
When buying a sanitiser, choose the best one for your needs. Although several disinfectants are on the market, not all effectively combat covid. The CDC recommends buyers check the alcohol percentage. Disinfectants with an alcohol concentration between 60% and 95% are more effective in killing germs than lowly concentrated ones. Hence, they are the best ones to use before an exam. Hand gels with a lower concentration are less effective or ineffective at all. If the steriliser has a low alcohol percentage, it may not work well for prevention.
The correct way to use it
Alcohol-based hand gels are used on dry hands. This is because water lowers the alcohol concentration, thus reducing its effectiveness. Do not use excessive amounts on your hands; two or three millimetres are enough! Distribute on both hands for maximum efficiency, emphasising the spaces between the fingers. Excess use causes irritation and dry skin. Do this after taking a hormone test. In some cases, it might result in burning or even swelling. For this reason, and especially if you have sensitive skin, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, when buying a hand cleanser, look at the alcohol levels indicated on the label. In addition, also make sure that the relevant government authorities release a certification of it as genuine. Only those containing more than 60% of alcohol can be considered effective against germs. It is not always easy to know the content. This is because not every manufacturer indicates the quantity of ethanol in the bottle on the label. Always consider the amount of content in the product, and do not forget to read the manufacturer’s instructions. If any symptoms show up, get a PCR test in your local area and ask how to interpret your results.