Good hand hygiene is even more important now that we have more proof.
According to a new study, the coronavirus can survive on human skin for up to nine hours.
According to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, Japanese researchers evaluated how long SARS-CoV-2 (the full name of the novel coronavirus) and the influenza A virus could survive on the skin. The flu virus vanished after two hours, while the coronavirus remained nine hours. The coronavirus survived considerably longer when mixed with respiratory droplets (a.k.a. mucus): up to 11 hours. Continue reading.
Increases the risk of transmission
Both viruses were destroyed within 15 seconds using an 80 percent ethanol solution—a popular element in hand sanitizers.
"In compared to influenza A virus, SARS-9-hour CoV-2's survival on human skin may increase the probability of contact transmission, therefore accelerating the pandemic," the researchers stated. "To avoid the spreading of SARS-CoV-2 infections, proper hand hygiene is critical."
The researchers used cadaver skin in their investigation to avoid infecting any human volunteers.
Coronavirus can survive on other surfaces for even longer.
Researchers discovered earlier in the pandemic that the coronavirus may survive for up to 72 hours on stainless steel, four hours on copper surfaces, and 24 hours on cardboard.
Handwashing frequently is important, according to experts, in reducing the spread of coronavirus. Although the pandemic has been in high gear for several months, a new CDC analysis issued this month found that one in every four Americans forgets to wash their hands when they should, such as when they have respiratory symptoms, after using the restroom, or before eating.
What is good hand hygiene?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using a hand sanitizer with 60 percent to 90 percent alcohol to inactivate the coronavirus on your hands. When using hand sanitizer, the CDC suggests rubbing it all over your hands until they're dry.
Apart from handwashing often, do everything you can to avoid catching COVID-19 in the first place:
- Wear a face mask.
- Get tested if you think you have coronavirus.
- Avoid crowds (including bars and home parties).
- Practice social distancing.
- Disinfect often touched surfaces.