The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the importance of hand hygiene to the forefront of public health. Keeping your hands clean has always been important, but with the looming threat of COVID-19, it’s more crucial than ever.
Are you wondering how practicing good hand hygiene can help you avoid COVID-19? Wondering when and how you should wash your hands? These COVID-19 vaccination clinics in Northwest Indiana discuss some of the key things you should know below.
The Importance of Hand Hygiene During COVID-19
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land on surfaces, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons and countertops.
When you touch these contaminated surfaces and then touch your face, mouth or eyes, you can become infected with the virus. Washing your hands with soap and water is the most effective way to remove the virus from your hands and prevent its spread.
How Does Hand Washing Help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19?
Hand washing is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. When you wash your hands, you remove any dirt, germs and viruses that may be present on your skin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Scrub your hands thoroughly, including the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Finally, rinse your hands well and dry them with a clean towel or air dry them.
When to Wash Your Hands
It’s important to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, especially in times when there is a rise in COVID-19 cases. Here are some situations when you should wash your hands:
- Before and after preparing food
- Before eating
- After using the bathroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
- After handling garbage
The Role of Hand Sanitizers in Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Hand sanitizers can be a useful addition to hand washing. However, they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water. Hand sanitizers should contain at least 60% alcohol to be effective against the coronavirus. When using hand sanitizer, make sure you apply enough to cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Hand sanitizers are most effective when used in conjunction with hand washing. If you don’t have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizer as a backup. However, hand sanitizers should not be used as a replacement for hand washing.
The Importance of Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19
Getting vaccinated at a COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Northwest Indiana is a crucial step in preventing the spread of the virus. Vaccines help your body build immunity to the virus, so if you are exposed to the virus, your immune system can fight it off more effectively.
The Benefits of Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19
- Reduce your risk of getting COVID-19
- Reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms if you do contract it
- Reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19
- Help protect others who may be more vulnerable to COVID-19
Looking for a COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic in Northwest Indiana?
Hand hygiene is an essential part of preventing the spread of COVID-19. Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, using hand sanitizers as a backup, and getting vaccinated against COVID-19 are all important steps in protecting yourself and others.
Are you ready to get vaccinated? If so, our team at 219 Health Network is here to assist you. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to discuss your options.