As governments and health experts dealt with Covid-19 analysis, sales of hand sanitizers increased significantly. In supermarkets and pharmacies, it is almost impossible to find hand gel. However, is the use of disinfectants against coronavirus really effective? And if so, can we prepare them at home if we can't find them in the store?
Hand disinfectant is not a new product. As early as 1966, a nurse in California began using alcohol-based gel to cleanse her hands in the absence of running water. However, it would be the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic that would record record sales for hand gel. Since then, it has become a product that people carry with them in the bag.
The popularity of hand sanitizers has grown not only for fear of pandemics, but also for their marketing, making them in colors and fragrances pleasing, even to children.
But on such days, where demand has increased, it's hard to find. Online recipes suggest using vodka or combining different herbs with aloe vera. But are they effective?
Hygiene experts agree that for a product to be effective against viruses and bacteria, it must contain 60% alcohol. For people with sensitive skin, alcohol-free products are now being produced. Fortunately, the new coronavirus is a type of virus that alcohol can attack. Therefore, preparing home products is not very effective. What's more, the disinfectants contain softeners to protect the skin.
Experts also point out that it is still unclear how Covid-19 spreads. The transmission path is thought to be through cough points, or from contact with objects. The most valuable advice in such cases is to wash your hands with soap and water. You can use disinfecting gels, but you must wash your hands when you arrive at home, office, local or anywhere else with plenty of soap and water.
The virus needs living cells to reproduce: so don't touch your eyes, mouth, or open wounds. Keep your hands clean with gel and wash with soap and water when you can.
So, in other words, use a gel when you can't wash your hands. It is not a panic situation, just a discipline.
Source: The Guardian
