Stop the winter virus: a simple gesture!

TRANSMISSION OF VIRUSES BY HANDS

When seasonal viruses arrive, it's hard to escape them. These diseases are mainly transmitted by the hands: this is called hand-to-hand transmission. All you have to do is rub your eyes, nose or put your dirty fingers in your mouth to get sick. To protect yourself, hand washing is the best defense.

Viruses, winter ailments transmitted by hands

Flu, colds, bronchitis, and gastroenteritis  are all illnesses that are rampant throughout the winter. Viruses are transmitted by saliva droplets, but also by direct hand contact with infected people. To become contaminated, all you have to do is shake the hand of a sick person, or touch an infected object: a door handle, a mobile phone, a shopping cart, an elevator button, a bus bar, etc.   

Some viruses can survive for a long time in the open air. The influenza virus, which causes flu, and gastroenteritis viruses can live for several days on inert surfaces.

Washing your hands, the anti-contagion reflex

In addition to viruses, bacteria and fungi are also infectious agents that can be transmitted by hands.  Washing your hands  scrupulously protects you from many infections, and prevents you from contaminating your loved ones.

The World Health Organization (WHO) renews its recommendations every winter: regular hand washing with soap and water, or with a disinfectant solution (hydro-alcoholic solution) is an essential step to stop epidemics. .

How to wash your hands properly?

A simple rinse with water before drying your hands on a damp cloth will not do much good. Washing your hands effectively can be learned!

According to researchers at Rutgers University, cold water kills as many germs as hot water . Soap is also just as effective as a disinfectant solution, provided that washing times and procedures are followed.

First, start by removing your rings and other jewelry . To remove germs, you can use soap and water or a disinfectant gel.

Hand washing with soap and water should last at least 40 to 60 seconds according to the recommendations, and is broken down into 3 steps. You will need to rub effectively in all corners before rinsing with water and drying.

• Rub your hands together , palm to palm, then palm of one hand to the back of the other hand. Continue with your fingers interlaced to reach all the nooks and crannies.
• Rub your fingers against the palm of your other hand , before focusing on your thumbs. Don't forget the underside of your nails, which accumulates germs. Finally, move up to your wrists to soap them vigorously.
• Next step : rinsing. Allow 10 seconds for this phase, running the water from your fingertips to your wrists.
• Move on to drying . Cloth towels are vectors of contamination: they are reusable and create a humid and warm environment conducive to the development of microbes. The ideal would be to dry your hands using a single-use paper towel. Preferably, turn off the tap with this towel before throwing it away.

Hand washing with a disinfectant solution should last 30 seconds and does not require rinsing.

When to wash your hands?

It is always good to remember, always wash your hands after going to the toilet. This will allow you to avoid illnesses such as gastroenteritis. After taking public transport, but also once you get home, a good wash will allow you to eliminate accumulated germs  .

Before cooking, after cutting raw meat, or sitting down to eat, take the time to wash your hands. It is also recommended to have clean hands before taking care of your child, an elderly person, or someone with a compromised immune system, who is more susceptible to infections. After blowing your nose or sneezing, this reflex is essential to protect the people around you.

The habit of washing hands must gradually become a systematic gesture like brushing your teeth.

Without access to soap and water, it is not easy to wash your hands. If you are outside, you can use a bottle of disinfectant solution or hydro-alcoholic solution (SHA).

A small amount of this  disinfectant  is enough to eliminate germs in 30 seconds. Rub your hands until the solution has completely evaporated without rinsing. No need for towels or paper!

A SHA without rinsing and transportable

Disinfectant solutions (   SHA) are skin sanitizing solutions  . Used throughout the day, they help prevent the  transmission of viruses .  Strains of viruses, bacteria, and fungi  are destroyed! These products are said to be  virucidal, bactericidal, and fungicidal .

The no-rinse disinfectant solution will be very useful for a quick meal while traveling or at work, a family picnic, or a romantic getaway. Did you know that 25% of people eat a sandwich for lunch?

You can also use it directly on public transport, when arriving at the office, when getting out of your car, or before each meal. If you practice outdoor activities, it will be very useful for disinfecting your hands.

So you no longer have an excuse not to wash your hands, even without soap or water, the  disinfectant gel  will do the job perfectly.

Choosing the right disinfectant solution

There are many  hydroalcoholic solutions  in different formats: pump system, family size, or pocket size to take everywhere. In gels or foams, you will find natural or pleasantly scented solutions. It's up to you to choose the solution that suits you best!

For sensitive skin and children, there is even a disinfectant foam of 100% plant origin, without alcohol, without triclosan (endocrine disruptor) and without petrochemical derivatives. It will allow you to eliminate all microbes  without attacking the skin. Tested under dermatological and pediatric control, this  no-rinse solution  is therefore suitable for the whole family, even babies.