Hand sanitizer is a popular substance that, thanks to the global pandemic is now found everywhere. There is no doubt it is an effective way to remove bacteria and reduce the spread of viruses between people. However, concerns exist over excessive use of even the best hand sanitizer. The potential exists to eliminate our resistance to everyday bacteria and cause additional health issues in the future.
This is why you need to consider the balance between when you e hand sanitizer, when soap is better, and when you can skip both.
Hand Sanitizer Versus Soap
Hand Sanitizer is full of chemicals that are very good at destroying bacteria. Soap and water, if used properly, can also kill bacteria on the hands. But, as a more natural solution, soap is the better option. It destroys the bond between viruses and your skin, allowing the water to wash the bacteria away.
Naturally, hand sanitizer is more convenient when you are out and above. Here are the five most important times you should be using it:
1. Public Transport
Public transport is often the easiest and most cost-effective method of getting across any city. However, it does mean there is an abundance of people touching the same surfaces and potentially leaving bacteria behind. You have no idea when you touch the handrail or safety guard how many other people have touched it or if any of them are carrying bacteria.
It is advisable to use hand sanitizer as soon as you are sat down and again straight after leaving the transport.
2. Prior To Eating
Washing your hands before you eat is something that everyone should do, regardless of whether there is any risk of COVID-19 or not. Eating generally means you will touch your food and you may not know what your hands have been in contact with.
Of course, many of us eat out on the go where there are no facilities to wash our hands. This is when you should use hand sanitizer.
3. When Shopping
Going shopping is an essential part of either your daily or weekly schedule. However, shopping represents similar issues to public transport, it is very hard to know who has touched your cart or the food before you.
The best approach when shopping is to avoid touching your face throughout your time in the store. You can then hand sanitize as soon as you leave and have packed all the items in your vehicle.
4. Work Space
It doesn’t matter whether you work in an office, a shop, or a factory, there are plenty of opportunities for your workspace to become contaminated. Social distancing may help but there are still plenty of communal surfaces that you can’t help touching.
As soon as you have touched one of these surfaces you should use your hand sanitizer.
5. As Needed
There are plenty of times every day when you know you need to use hand sanitizer. This is perhaps the most important issue of all. If you think you are at risk then use the hand sanitizer you carry with you. It really is better to be safe than sorry.