Coronavirus and hand washing

Introduction

With the latest information out about how to keep yourself safe, hand washing is the most effective method. By following some basic steps, you can help reduce your risk, and do your part to protect others.

Most important: Do not panic. While coronavirus is a serious public health concern, most of those who contract it do not become seriously ill, and only a small percentage require intensive care.

Who is at higher risk?

There are groups of people at a higher risk of being affected and possibly needing medical care. If you or any of your loved ones are within these groups, then take extra precaution to reduce the chances of contracting the virus.

Early information out of China, where Coronavirus first started, shows that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:

• Older adults
• People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Lung disease

If you are at higher risk for serious illness from the virus because of your age or because you have a serious long-term health problem, it is extra important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the virus.

Why Washing Your Hands Works

Hand-washing with soap and water is a far more powerful weapon against germs and viruses than many of us realize.

The NHS have provided detailed information about washing your hands and how to maximize it’s effectiveness. The method also includes singing happy birthday to get the timing right.

Washing your hands properly works because it removes dirt, viruses and bacteria. Removing these stops them spreading to others causing illness such as the Coronavirus and others.

The first thing that happens when you wash your hands is that you’re physically removing things from your hands. Certain soaps will actually be busting open that germ, virus or bacteria by breaking it apart.

The second thing soap does is mechanical. It does so by making skin slippery so that with enough rubbing, we can pry germs off and rinse them away.

The Best Way to Wash Your Hands

The NHS have supplied a detailed video on how to reach every part of your hands when washing them. A little trick to wash your hands for long enough – sing happy birthday twice 🙂

1. Wet your hands under warm running water.
2. Apply a small amount of soap.
3. Rub your hands together vigorously. Make sure you apply soap and water to all surfaces of your hands for at least 15 seconds and up to one minute. Make sure you rub your palms, the backs of your hands, between your fingers, your fingertips, thumbs and wrists and your nails.
4. Rinse your hands under running water.
5. Dry your hands thoroughly using disposable paper towels.
6. Turn the tap off using the paper towel or your elbow, to avoid recontaminating your hands.

Antiviral and Antibacterial Essential Oils

Certain essential oils are known for their antibacterial or antiviral properties. Here are a few to look out for.

Oil	Benefits
lemon	relieves nasal congestion and allows for steady breathing
lavender	known for stress, fatigue, depression, and headaches fighting properties
peppermint	helps reduce coughs, sinusitis, and throat infections
thyme	known for it’s antibacterial activity to help fight respiratory infections
eucalyptus	reduces fevers and fights viruses
tea tree oil	inhibits bacteria and fights infections
chamomile	relieves cold and flu symptoms
clove (eugenol)	known for it’s antiviral and antifungal properties
rosemary	is a nontoxic way to clean surfaces or air

Claudia’s Soaps can Help

Lemon – Lemon & Calendula exfoliating soap

Lavender- Simply Lavender soap

Peppermint – Liquorice & Peppermint exfoliating soap

Tea Tree Oil – Charcoal and Tea Tree face soap

I hope you enjoyed this post. I would love to hear from you and hear what you think.