Soap Is Still Better Than Hand Sanitizer Against Coronavirus, Says Experts

• While others are hoarding hand sanitizers, experts are reminding the public that soap and water is still more effective in preventing coronavirus.
• According to CDC, people should wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds to avoid contracting the potentially-lethal disease.

As shoppers everywhere are stocking up on hand sanitizers in an attempt to combat the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), experts are reminding people about this one thing: good old soap and water is still the best weapon against the dreaded disease.

And yes, this is actually backed by science. Practicing proper hand hygiene is definitely one of the most effective ways of preventing virus and germs from entering the body.

Case in point, Elizabeth Scott hygiene expert and Simmons University professor explained it this way:

“Hand washing with soap employs mechanical action that loosens bacteria and viruses from the skin, rinsing them into the drain.”

As we’ve been told over and over, coronavirus transmission happens through droplets that are spread after an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on different objects and surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, elevator buttons, handrails, mobile devices, and others.

Therefore, anyone who touches these things and then their face without washing their hands are at risk of catching the virus.

So while it’s true that hand sanitizers are much easier to use and carry around, it’s still not as effective as washing with water and a bar of soap.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also specifically mentioned soap washing is always important and that sanitizers should only be used when “soap and water are not readily available.”

Moreover, CDC likewise explained that using soap can be great in eliminating different germs.

“Soap and water are more effective than hand sanitizers at removing certain kinds of germs, like Cryptosporidium, norovirus, and Clostridium difficile,” their official website said.

CDC also reminds the public to wash their hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.

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