Chapter 1: The Importance of Hand Hygiene

Maintaining proper hand hygiene is crucial in minimizing the transmission of Covid-19. But what makes it so vital? Recent studies provide valuable insights into this matter.

Researchers investigated how long the SARS-CoV-2 virus persists on human skin and compared it to Influenza A, the virus responsible for pandemics like H1N1. They discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can survive for approximately nine hours on skin, while Influenza A lasts less than two hours.

Although this duration is significantly shorter than its survival on surfaces such as glass, plastic, and stainless steel, nine hours is still a considerable time. Interestingly, the study also found that an alcohol solution with 80% ethanol can deactivate the virus in just 15 seconds.

What are the implications of this finding?

While it is increasingly clear that SARS-CoV-2 is primarily airborne, these results suggest that it is possible to contract Covid-19 by touching one's face after contacting contaminated surfaces. Therefore, it is crucial to wash hands frequently, ideally for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.

We should not wait for nine hours to wash our hands, especially after visiting places like grocery stores, gas stations, or outdoor dining establishments. If soap and water aren't available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used until hands are completely dry.

In my experience, especially while working in the ICU, I never go more than a few minutes without washing my hands. It's important to exercise caution; Covid-19 is a serious disease that should not be taken lightly.

Chapter 2: Research Findings and Insights

The first video discusses a study revealing that the COVID-19 virus can persist on skin for up to nine hours, highlighting the significance of hand hygiene practices.

The second video addresses how long the coronavirus remains viable on various surfaces, providing further context to the importance of cleanliness and hygiene.