Do Hand Sanitizers Effectively Kill the Coronavirus?

by Kirby Drake

The Coronavirus Pandemic has created a worldwide demand for facemasks, gloves, and sanitizers that have outstripped supply capability.  And sanitizers have been extremely difficult to find in stores and online as they continue to sell out. Fortunately, coming to the rescue, have been businesspeople and entrepreneurs who early on recognized this need and found a way to get high-grade hand sanitizers to the marketplace and into the hands of the consumer.

So, does a hand sanitizer really kill coronavirus?

The answer is yes.  Hand sanitizer can protect you from coronavirus, but it should not be considered your first line of defense against COVID-19.  “Thorough handwashing with soap and water at least 20 seconds is recommended, but a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is the best alternative,” says Richard Watkins, M.D., infectious disease physician, and professor of medicine at Northeast Ohio Medical University.

Coronaviruses have an outer membrane or envelope, which are known to be killed or inactivated by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. So, “COVID-19 should be killed as well,” explains David Cennimo, M.D., assistant professor of medicine-pediatrics infectious disease at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

New visualisation of the Covid-19 virus

How to prepare for the coronavirus

The CDC says that it may be possible to contract coronavirus from touching a contaminated surface and then touching your own mouth, nose, or possibly your eyes. But it is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. “It can be transmitted that way, but it’s likely secondary to direct transmission,” says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

Just remember, you can wash your hands and slather them with hand sanitizer all you want, but if someone with coronavirus coughs or sneezes on you, that sanitizer is not going to do anything.  You still need to practice social distancing and wear a facemask. 

Using hand sanitizer properly for it to work effectively

Many people just put a little hand sanitizer on their hands, rub for a sec, and then go about their day; however, that is not the correct way to use it.  Instead, the CDC specifically recommends putting sanitizer on your hands, coating your hands thoroughly in sanitizer, and then rubbing them together until they are dry, which will take about 20 seconds.

What to look for in a hand sanitizer?

You also want to make sure to use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that is between 60 to 95% alcohol; these products usually contain ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol.

One should be aware that there are products labeled antibacterial or antimicrobial. The main difference between the two is the types of microorganisms they act on. Antibacterial products prevent the development of bacteria, but antimicrobial agents (like alcohol-based hand sanitizers) prevent the spread of bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. “I would use one labeled antimicrobial,” Dr. Watkins says.

And remember, during cold and flu season, and there are plenty of other germs floating around out there that you want to avoid. While hand sanitizer may help protect you from coronavirus if you happen to get it on your hands, “hand sanitizer is not effective against norovirus, C. difficile, and some parasites,” Dr. Watkins says.  However, he adds, washing them with soap and water will also help kill coronavirus and those other germs.

Of course, it is not always possible to lather up when you are out and about, especially if you rely on public transportation. For those times, it is perfectly OK to reach for the hand sanitizer until you can get to a sink.

Where to buy effective hand sanitizer? 

As an FDA-regulated product, and user safety in mind, here’s an over

MOXĒ’s Key Ingredients

  • 70% Ethyl alcohol
  • Aloe Vera juice
  • Tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E)

Features

  • FDA-approved ingredients and facilities
  • Meet’s U.S quality standard (made in Florida, USA)
  • Leaping Bunny Certified – animal cruelty-free
  • Free from pesticides and harmful chemicals
  • Mild solution for all skin types
  • Great for on-the-go users

Regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, MOXĒ Citrus Hand Sanitizer boasts high-standard quality and efficiency.

You can shop any of the sizes in the citrus hand sanitizer gel from Moxē. You can shop this 4 oz three-pack for $14.99, the six-pack for $29.99 or the 10-pack bottle size for $49.99.

Looking for a bigger family size? MOXE has restocked 8 oz bottles for $9.99

Best practices to minimize your risk of coronavirus illness

For other CDC-approved ways to reduce your risk of coronavirus illness, follow the tips below:

  • Listen and follow the directions of your State and Local authorities.
  • If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work.

  • If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.

  • If you are an older person or have a serious underlying health condition, stay home and away from other people.

  • If someone in your household has tested positive, keep the entire household at home.

  • Work or study from home whenever possible.

  • Avoid social gatherings.

  • Avoid eating or drinking at bars or restaurants. Use pickup or delivery options.

  • Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits.

  • Do not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities.

Always practice good hygiene

  • Wash your hands and or use hand sanitizer, especially after touching any frequently used item or surface.

  • Avoid touching your face.

  • Sneeze or cough into a tissue, or the inside of your elbow.

  • Disinfect frequently used items and surfaces as much as possible.

References:

3 Tips For Staying Healthy At Your PSAP | Russ Bassett. https://russbassett.com/psap-health-cold-flu-covid-19/

FAQ: COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) | MIT Medical. https://medical.mit.edu/faqs/COVID-19

How Often Should You Disinfect Your Surroundings For .... https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/how-often-should-you-disinfect-your-surroundings-for-coronavirus/ar-BB11YuhG

The Great Hand Sanitizer Debate | NEOMED. https://www.neomed.edu/news/the-great-hand-sanitizer-debate/

CDC guidelines on stopping the spread of coronavirus. https://www.ketv.com/article/cdc-guidelines-on-coronavirus/31700273

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