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The disinfecting properties of alcohol are well known. This is probably why with the appearance of the coronavirus in Poland, vodka, spirit and many other stronger alcohols began to disappear from store shelves. However, it is worth answering the question of whether alcohol actually fights the coronavirus.
Coronavirus can be infected by droplets, so only another person can be the source of the infection. Therefore, one of the recommendations is to keep a safe distance of at least 2 m from other people and cover your face with your elbow while coughing and sneezing.
You can also become infected with the coronavirus by touching various surfaces where the coronavirus may be present. Remember that on cardboard boxes the coronavirus can survive for about 24 hours, and on steel or plastic objects up to 72 hours.
An important element COVID-19 prevention it is therefore the observance of the basic rules of hygiene. Therefore, you should wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap, and if we are unable to disinfect them with special alcohol-based liquids. You should also clean and disinfect all surfaces with which we come into contact, i.e. the phone screen, remote control, door handles, etc. However, outside the home it is best to wear gloves and a protective mask.
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Spraying vodka on the body is not a good solution. It will not protect us against COVID-19, and in addition, it can irritate the skin and cause unpleasant allergic reactions.
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In order for alcohol to fulfill its disinfecting function, it must have a concentration of at least 60 percent. WHO recommends the use of disinfecting liquids with a content of at least 60 percent. alcohol. Only then can we be sure that the coronavirus does not threaten us.
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Unfortunately not. Drinking alcohol is not a good protection against the virus. On the contrary, alcohol lowers our immunity, making us more susceptible to infections.
High-percentage alcohol (minimum 60%) can be successfully used for disinfection.
Ways to prevent coronavirus infection are well known. To lower COVID-19 risk there are a few simple rules to remember:
- wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and if necessary, disinfect your hands with an alcohol-based disinfectant;
- keep a safe distance from people you meet – it should be approx. 2 meters;
- try to stay away from large groups of people – ideally, stay home if you can and only leave if you really have to;
- try to regularly and thoroughly clean the surfaces you come into contact with;
- do not touch other items while eating;
- avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose;
- try not to divide food from one packet, e.g. with your fingers.
Remember, just washing your hands does not guarantee that you will not get COVID-19. This is one of the recommendations, but it is worth remembering about all the rules that reduce the risk of coronavirus infection.
The editorial board recommends the most important articles about the coronavirus:
- Should I change my clothes and wash my clothes after returning home?
- Is coronavirus infection a good way to become immune to COVID-19?
- Lesser-known COVID-19 symptoms you need to know about
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected] A daily updated list of answers can be found HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.