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Distance, disinfection, mask – these are the basic phrases related to protection against possible COVID-19 infection. In the case of disinfection, however, according to some experts, we went a few steps too far. The excessive use of disinfectants can have negative consequences.
- At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, e.g. benches in public places were disinfected in many countries and citizens were wearing disposable gloves
- At the time, there was concern that the virus could spread on frozen foods, cans and even banknotes
- It is now known that the transmission of the coronavirus through objects or food is unlikely
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When can disinfectant be harmful?
During the year, Poles began to use disinfectants on an unprecedented scale. In the first months of the pandemic, it was a scarce commodity in many stores. We disinfect not only hands, but also door handles, clothes and even food. According to some experts, however, this is not a good solution. So much so that it can have real negative effects. According to prof. Robert Bragg from the Free State University in South Africa, excessive disinfection can lead to the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to such agents.
- See also: How many people in Poland died after the COVID-19 vaccine? Government data
The mechanism of bacterial resistance to disinfectants, according to the professor, may be similar to that when specific strains stop responding to antibiotics.
This thesis is supported by prof. Bill Wuest from Emory University. In his opinion, chemicals may become less effective over time, which is due to their excessive use.
Disinfection – what’s the best way to do it?
However, the risk of bacteria becoming resistant is not a reason to stop disinfecting completely. Disinfecting your hands is advisable at all times, but it should be done wisely.
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Prof. Emanuel Goldman, a microbiologist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, has published an extensive research paper on the risk of COVID-19 transmission via a variety of surfaces.
– For transmission across surfaces, it would be necessary to touch the freshly contaminated surface and then rapidly touch the eyes, nose or mouth. Without washing hands first – said prof. Goldman. Therefore, the professor recommends first of all washing your hands with warm water and soap. However, she advises against more radical actions.
Remember, however, that when you cannot wash your hands, you should use gels for disinfection. This is especially important at a time when you are seeing increased transmission of the coronavirus.
In recent months, there have been reports of COVID-19 being transmitted via banknotes, food, frozen food or documents. However, scientists believe that infection by this route is unlikely.
– Of course, infection with SARS-CoV-2 by infected objects is possible and such situations certainly do happen. However, the importance of this route of transmission of the virus is minimal. This is evidenced by the results of many studies – believes prof. Hassan Vally, an epidemiologist at La Trobe University.
- Check also: How to prepare for the COVID-19 vaccination? 12 expert advice
Scientists associated with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the CDC reported in February that the spread of SARS-CoV-2 via food is unlikely.
“We would like to assure consumers that based on our understanding of the reliable scientific information available at the moment …, it is unlikely that the food they eat and the packaging they touch will carry SARS-CoV-2,” the FDA said in a statement.
COVID-19 is transmitted primarily by droplets, i.e. through the aerosol of infected people. This is why in many countries an obligation to cover the mouth and nose has been introduced. The risk of coronavirus transmission increases when the carrier speaks loudly, sings, sneezes, coughs, or has rapid breathing.
A separate group is made up of super creators. For older adults with a higher BMI, transmission may be just by breathing.
Also read:
- Breakthrough information on convalescents. Seniors at a disadvantage
- Scientists: The pandemic didn’t start at the Wuhan market. There are more surprises
- Dr. Dzieiątkowski on the “dangerous” AstraZeneki vaccine: the more likely it is that a meteorite will hit us
- What to do to “get rid of the plague and get back to normal”? Experts have no doubts
- Poles are still afraid of the virus. The number of people willing to vaccinate is growing [STUDY]
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