It’s hard to imagine, but something we’ve been told to do all our life is actually one of the most effective ways to protect yourself against COVID-19. Handwashing—with just soap and water—protects against COVID-19. Soap destroys the outer coating of the coronavirus, so it no longer can infect you.

Bar or liquid?

What you use to wash is up to you. Bar or liquid, it’s your choice. And it doesn't need to be antibacterial. Just make sure you keep the bar in a dry dish.

If you live with others, liquid soap is better for sharing. Do your best to pump with your wrist instead of your hand to dispense. If you run out, experts say body wash is an OK substitute.

When to wash hands

When you leave a public place—train, store, etc.
After preparing food and before eating.
After coughing or sneezing—even if you covered with your elbow.
After using the bathroom.
Every time you come home.
When you want to touch your face, though try not to.
When you’ve been in the same place as someone who is not feeling well.
When you’ve touched shared objects.

Lather up the right way

Most people don’t really know how to wash their hands. It needs to be thorough and long enough. These tips will help you do it effectively.

Start with soap—any kind.
Wash for at least 20 seconds. Sing “Happy Birthday” twice—don’t rush it— in your head while washing.
Wash palms and the back of hands.
Wash in between fingers and thumb.
Scrub under your fingernails.
Rinse well and dry thoroughly. Do not share hand towels. And wash towels regularly.

Hand sanitizers

While proper hand hygiene with soap and water is the gold standard, hand sanitizers play a crucial role when soap and water are not readily available. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol to effectively combat COVID-19. These concentrations are capable of inactivating viruses with similar properties to SARS-CoV-2. However, it's important to note that while hand sanitizers are convenient and effective, they may not be as thorough as handwashing in removing all types of germs and chemicals. For optimal hand hygiene, use hand sanitizer as a supplement to regular handwashing, ensuring you cover all surfaces of your hands and rub until completely dry.

If you can’t get soap and water, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol also destroy coronavirus. Just like with soap, make sure you rub the sanitizer all over every part of your hand, including under nails. Still, soap is preferable.

The scientific understanding of COVID-19 as well as guidelines for its prevention and treatment are constantly changing. There may be new information since this article was published. It’s important to check with sources like the CDC for the most up-to-date information.

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The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.

Andrew Le, MD.

Dr. Le obtained his MD from Harvard Medical School and his BA from Harvard College. Before Buoy, his research focused on glioblastoma, a deadly form of brain cancer. Outside of work, Dr. Le enjoys cooking and struggling to run up-and-down the floor in an adult basketball league.

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