Shall we learn how to wash our hands?

COVID-19 is the name given to the infection by a new coronavirus first identified in humans in late 2019 in Wuhan, China.

What is COVID-19?

It is the disease caused by a virus of the coronavirus family - these viruses exist mostly in animals, but in some circumstances they can cause infections in humans, sometimes with some manifestations similar to the common flu - fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are cases that can develop into a more serious illness, such as pneumonia.

How is it transmitted? 

Although the exact origin of the virus is not known, it is known that the greatest risk of infection comes from close contact with infected people. The virus is known to be transmitted by the respiratory route - that is, through the air, in droplets expelled when you sneeze or cough, for example. Indirect transmission is also thought to exist (through objects contaminated by infected people, for example by sneezing), as preliminary studies suggest that the virus survives for a few hours on surfaces.

Is it possible to prevent it? 

The best way to prevent COVID-19 is to take general preventive measures against viral infections:  

• Avoid close contact with people with manifestations of respiratory infection, such as coughing, stuffy and/or runny nose and breathing difficulties; 
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products;
• Adopt respiratory etiquette measures - cover your nose and mouth whenever you sneeze or cough, with a tissue or your arm (never with your hands). Put the tissue in the rubbish; 
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or with a 70° alcohol-based product (liquid, gel or wipes), especially after sharing a space with potentially ill people (e.g. in public transport or shopping centres) and whenever you blow your nose, sneeze or cough.
  
  

Do you know how to wash your hands?

Hand washing should last between 40 to 60 seconds. 

1. Wet your hands with water and apply soap to cover the entire surface of your hands ; 
2. 2. Scrub:
   • the palms of the hands on each other;
   • the right palm on the back of the hand left, with interlaced fingers (and vice versa) 
   • palm to palm, with fingers intertwined; 
   • the backs of the fingers on the opposite palms with the fingers interlaced;
   • the left thumb, intertwined with the right palm (and vice versa); 
   • rotating the fingers of the right hand in the left hand (and vice versa);
   • Rinse hands with water and dry them with a disposable wipe, using it to turn off the tap if it is a manual tap.
     
     

If you use an alcohol-based antiseptic solution for hand hygiene, you should rub your hands in the above manner for 20-30 seconds (until the solution is dry).

Sources
iSaúde
Farmácia Distribuição Magazine

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