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First there were protective masks, then medications – both prescription and over-the-counter. Now it’s time for antibacterial gels. In pharmacies, drugstores, gas stations – empty shelves everywhere, where there were antibacterial gels and hand disinfectants. Will they help in the fight against the coronavirus?
Antibacterial gels worth their weight in gold
There are no antibacterial and hand sanitizers in stores and pharmacies. They disappeared from the shelves a few weeks ago, and in the face of information about the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Poland, they have become a commodity worth its weight in gold. This is best seen at online auctions, where bottles of antibacterial gels, which cost a few zlotys a few weeks ago, now cost a dozen or so.
However, before we panic about ordering antibacterial gels at a price much higher than usual, it is worth considering whether we need this type of product at all. What is included in the antibacterial gel and will having it (and using) protect us against the coronavirus?
– The basic ingredient of disinfection products is ethyl alcohol. The concentration of this component should be from 60 to about 80 percent. Paradoxically, a concentration greater than 80 percent. it may work ineffectively due to the easier denaturation of proteins of microorganisms in the presence of water. Alcohol in less than about 60 percent. concentration also does not work effectively due to too high hydrophilicity – explains MSc. Aleksandra Szuplewska, PhD student at the Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology.
See also: Lack of masks is also a problem for doctors. Prices in wholesalers increased 500 times
What should be emphasized – disinfectants are effective against most bacteria (with the exception of spores, i.e. bacterial spores), fungi and some viruses.
– Such products are ok when we are traveling or in a place where we cannot use the washbasin. In the face of the coronavirus, basic hygiene is enough. It’s a little worrying that the WHO needs to remind the world to wash their hands after using the toilet, before or after preparing a meal and in other obvious situations – adds our expert.
Bactericidal preparations for hand disinfection have a lethal effect on gram-positive and negative bacteria, as well as on fungi. In the case of viruses, their effectiveness depends on the structure of the virus. Non-enveloped (hydrophilic) viruses are more resistant to alcohol, which is the main ingredient in hand sanitizers. Lipophilic viruses, i.e. viruses with a shell, are less resistant.
Alcohol-based antibacterial preparations (concentration 60-80%) act against influenza viruses, herperviruses (lipophilic viruses) and against adenoviruses, parvoviruses, noroviruses, enteroviruses, rhinoviruses and rotaviruses (hydrophilic viruses). However, they do not work against the polio virus and hepatitis A.
The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus belongs to the lipophilic viruses and is susceptible to the action of all lipid solvents, which in practice means that alcohol-based antibacterial gels will have a lethal effect on the coronavirus. However, there are no studies confirming that the antibacterial gel works specifically against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Usually, however, warm water and soap are enough to effectively protect against infection. If we cannot wash our hands, then, as our expert suggests, we can use an antibacterial (alcohol-based) gel. In other cases it is not necessary. The graphic shows you how to wash your hands effectively. It is worth remembering, not only in times of the threat of the coronavirus causing COVID-19.
The editorial office recommends the most important information about the coronavirus:
- What To Do When You Have Symptoms Of Coronavirus? Step by step rules of conduct
- Why does the coronavirus kill some and run like a cold in others?
- Our safety is now in their hands. Diagnostics explain how the presence of the coronavirus is checked