Some people claim that alcohol rubs and sanitizers aren’t effective against the coronavirus. We asked an infectious disease expert. That claim is false. Make sure you use brands with at least 60% alcohol content and ensure your hands stay wet for 30-seconds when applying. This consensus is based on 2 experts answers from this question: Are alcohol sanitizers effective against viruses like SARS/coronavirus?
Coronavirus is spreading along with volumes of misinformation online. Some people on social media claim ‘Sanitizer will do nothing for the coronavirus‘. We at Metafact ask experts to verify the facts to help you get the truth.
We asked Professor Kelly Reynolds from Arizona State University who has studied this question for decades. Do hand sanitizers work for coronavirus? What brands should we use? Does the virus survive on surfaces like door-knobs or phones? Here are the facts from someone you can trust:
Are hand sanitizers effective against coronavirus?
Near Certain. Properly formulated alcohol hand sanitizers are effective against viruses like coronavirus.
The coronavirus is a single-stranded RNA virus with an external envelope. Destruction of the envelope effectively reduces the viruses ability to infect host cells. Hand sanitizer products with at least 60% alcohol are recommended for maximum efficacy. Consumers should be sure to use enough product for hands to stay wet for a full 30 seconds.
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🧴What is the recommended alcohol content for hand sanitizers to be effective against coronavirus? 💦Are hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content effective against coronavirus?Do surfaces help spread coronavirus?
Near Certain. Fomites, or inanimate objects (like doorknobs, benches, elevator buttons etc), are important in spreading respiratory viruses.
Most of us are aware that respiratory viruses can be spread through aerosols generated by the coughing or sneezing of infected individuals. Standing within 6 feet of someone for prolonged periods of time who are shedding infectious viruses increases your risk of secondary infection. Aerosols from coughing and sneezing may also deposit on fomites where they can remain infectious for hours to days. People who touch these contaminated surfaces may also be at increased risk of secondary infection via subsequent contact with their mucous membranes (i.e., eyes, nose and mouth) which acts as the portal of exposure into the body.
Common household sanitizers and disinfectants can significantly reduce concentrations of viruses on fomites and break the cycle of infection transmission. Handwashing with soap and water in combination with the disinfection of commonly touched surfaces and isolation of sick individuals are effective infection control strategies in the home.
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👐How do fomites contribute to the spread of coronavirus? 🚪Can coronavirus survive on surfaces like doorknobs and phones? 🏠Are common household disinfectants effective in reducing virus concentrations on surfaces?Are face masks effective?
Unlikely. Face masks are generally not recommended for healthy individuals as a means to avoid the risk of infection unless you are a healthcare worker or someone caring for a sick individual.
There are two primary types of face masks. One is a surgical mask and another an N95 mask. Surgical masks are commonly used by healthcare workers to minimize exposure to large aerosol particles, blood and tissue. These masks are also recommended for sick individuals to contain aerosols from coughing and sneezing. N95 masks are designed to remove 95% of particulates larger than 0.3 microns in size. For maximum efficacy, these masks need to be fit tested to individuals and are prone to improper use.
Face masks are generally not recommended for healthy individuals as a means to avoid the risk of infection unless you are a healthcare worker or someone caring for a sick individual.
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😷What are the differences between surgical masks and N95 masks in terms of efficacy? ☻Are face masks generally recommended for healthy individuals to avoid coronavirus infection?Are there ways to lower your risk of getting coronavirus?
Near Certain. Basic hygiene and infection control protocols that are recommended for the common cold and influenza prevention are also effective against the coronavirus.
Avoid travel to endemic regions and individuals who are symptomatic for respiratory infections, wash hands frequently and use surface disinfectants routinely on commonly touched surfaces.
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🧼What basic hygiene practices are effective in reducing the risk of coronavirus infection? 🧴Can using surface disinfectants help reduce the risk of coronavirus infection?