By Andrew
According to the CDC, soap removes some microbes that alcohol-based products don't, including norovirus, Clostridium difficile, which can cause life-threatening diarrhea, and Cryptosporidium, a parasite that causes the diarrheal disease cryptosporidiosis. Hand washing is therefore generally more effective for disease prevention than hand sanitizer. Additionally, soap eliminates heavy metal and pesticide residues that hand sanitizers may leave behind.
Hand sanitizers are still widely used despite the fact that hand washing is the most effective way to avoid germs, according to Dr. William Schaffner, a physician and professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
"There is no need to search for a sink and running water. Because they are so useful, they have been embraced so widely "Live Science quoted Schaffner.
The CDC offers recommendations on how to use hand sanitizers and soap and water. All hand surfaces should be sanitized, and it should be massaged in for about 20 seconds or until it is dry. There are five steps to hand washing: Wetting the hands, lathering soap (covering the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails), scrubbing the entire area for 20 seconds, rinsing with clean water, and drying with a fresh towel.
The CDC recommends washing your hands frequently throughout the day, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose, before eating, and after using the restroom.
Schaffner said, "Avoid persons who are coughing and sneezing after you use hand hygiene." "If you suddenly find yourself coughing or sneezing and there isn't a tissue nearby, crouch down and sneeze into your elbow. Avoid handshakes altogether by using the elbow bump instead."
Additionally, even if local stores may briefly run out of hand sanitizer as coronavirus fears soar, Schaffner said you probably won't need to start making your own because more will probably be back in stock in a day or two.
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