How soap can save mankind through hand washing…
These are strange times, aren’t they? We’re all a little lost right now. The internet is a massive help in keeping people connected, entertained and even keeping us fit, but it can also be a source of huge confusion, with information coming from all angles, often conflicting.
Should we stay inside, can we go out? Can we go to the shops, should we close our business? It’s tricky to know what to do, but one thing is certain.
We should wash our hands.
Studies have found people touch their faces as often as once every few minutes, and nearly half of those touches are to the nose, mouth and eyes. These areas are the main places that viruses enter our bodies. So, you can see why keeping hand cleaning is massively important.
In fact, behind being vaccinated, hand washing is the very best way to prevent getting infected or spreading a virus. And despite the huge run on antibacterial hand gels, nothing compares with good old-fashioned soap and water when it comes to staying clean.
A virus works by spreading its particles. Some viruses are spread through bodily fluids, others need a host like a mosquito to transport them. Coronaviruses are droplets; much like the seeds of flowers, they float on air, they land on things and are transported further by animals. If virus particles were as big as dandelion fluff though, getting rid of them would be easy. We could shake them off, brush them off – at worst they’d come off with a rinse under the tap.
Virus particles are more determined. Smaller than bacteria, the tiny packages of cells are enveloped in a layer of protein. These proteins help the cells to stick to a suitable host (that’s you or me). Once they find one they multiply very quickly. There’s no way these tricky little cells are letting go easily: brushing them off or rinsing under the tap is not enough.
The good news is that the fats and oils in soap – and that’s all soap, it doesn’t need to be all-singing and dancing – break down the proteins that surround the virus cells. Without their outer layer, the cells become inactive. You’ve essentially killed them. Hurrah! Hand washing could be the answer to getting rid of this disease.
And the great thing about washing with soap is that the lathering and rubbing also help break down the cells. So, you have a two-pronged attack. With just a small amount of soap and water, you can cover your entire hand quickly and easily. Lather up for 20 seconds at least and you can be sure you’re rinsing all those evil little critters down the drain.
Antibacterial gels work in a similar way but it’s harder to ensure that all parts of your hand are coated with the alcohol solution for long enough to kill the germs.
It’s a no-brainer. Wash your hands with soap regularly, but definitely before you eat, before you leave the house, and as soon as you come back in.
Think of hand washing as doing your bit for the country if you like. Use the time to meditate; 20 seconds where you focus on simply breathing can do wonders. Or do 20 squats. Tap dance. Learn a poem. Take to the stage in the bathroom mirror and recite your Oscar-acceptance speech. Spend time lathering up and we can eliminate this virus together. It really is that simple.
