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Stop winter viruses, wash your hands!

Every year, it's the same story. Seasonal viruses are back:epidemics of colds, bronchitis, flu, and gastroenteritis spread during the winter. Regular hand washing will get rid of germs and prevent you from getting sick.

TRANSMISSION OF VIRUSES THROUGH THE HANDS

When seasonal viruses arrive, it is difficult to escape them. These diseases are mainly transmitted by the hands:we speak of hand-borne transmission. It is enough to rub your eyes, nose or put your dirty fingers in your mouth to be sick. To protect yourself, hand washing is the best defense.

Viruses, hand-borne winter ailments

Flu, colds, bronchitis, and gastroenteritis are all diseases that are rampant throughout the winter. Viruses are transmitted by droplets of saliva, but also by direct contact of the hands with infected people. To be contaminated, all you have to do is shake hands with a sick person, or touch an infected object:a door handle, a mobile phone, a shopping cart, an elevator button, a bus bar….

Some viruses can survive for a long time in the open air. The Influenza virus, responsible for the flu, and the gastroenteritis viruses can live for several days on inert surfaces.

Washing your hands, the anti-contagion reflex

In addition to viruses, bacteria and fungi are also infectious agents that can be transmitted by the hands. Wash your hands scrupulously protects you from many infections, and prevents you from infecting your loved ones.

The General Directorate of Health (DGS), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the regional health agencies (ARS) renew their recommendations every winter:regular hand washing with soap and water, or with a disinfectant solution (hydro-alcoholic solution) is an essential gesture to stop epidemics.

How to wash your hands properly?

A simple rinsing with water before drying your hands on a damp cloth will not help much. You can learn to wash your hands effectively!

According to researchers at Rutgers University, cold water eliminates as many germs as hot water . The soap would also be as effective as a disinfectant solution, provided that the washing times and procedures are respected.

First, start by removing your rings and other jewelry . To remove germs, you can use soap and water or disinfectant gel.

Hand washing with soap and water should last at least 40 to 60 seconds according to the recommendations, and is broken down into 3 steps. You will need to rub effectively in all corners before rinsing with water and drying.

  • Rub your hands , palm to palm, then palm of one hand to back of the other hand. Continue with interlaced fingers to reach all corners.
  • Rub your fingers against the palm of the other hand , before insisting on the thumbs. Do not forget the underside of the nails which accumulates germs. Finally go up to the wrists to lather them vigorously.
  • Next step :rinsing. Allow 10 seconds for this phase by running the water from the fingertips to the wrists.
  • Go to drying . Cloth towels are vectors of contamination:they are reusable and create a humid and warm environment conducive to the development of microbes. Ideally, you should dry your hands with a single-use paper towel. Preferably, turn off the tap with this towel before throwing it away.

Hand washing with a disinfectant solution should take 30 seconds and requires no rinsing.

When to wash your hands?

It is always good to remember, always wash your hands after going to the toilet. This will allow you to avoid diseases like gastroenteritis. After taking public transport, but also once you get home, a good wash will allow you to eliminate germs accumulated.

Before cooking, after cutting raw meat, or sitting down to eat, take the time to wash your hands. It is also recommended to have clean hands before taking care of your child, an elderly person, or an immunocompromised person, more susceptible to infections. After blowing your nose or sneezing, this reflex is essential to protect the people around you.

The habit of washing your hands must gradually become a systematic gesture like that of brushing your teeth.

The disinfectant solution to kill germs

Without access to soap and water, it is not easy to wash your hands. If you are outside, you can use a bottle of disinfectant solution or hydro-alcoholic solution (SHA).

A dab of this disinfectant enough to kill germs in 30 seconds. Rub your hands together until this no-rinse solution evaporates completely. No need for a towel or paper!

A no-rinse, transportable SHA

disinfectant solutions (SHA) are sanitizing solutions cutaneous. Used throughout the day, they prevent the transmission of viruses . strains of viruses, bacteria, and fungi are destroyed! These products are said to be virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal .

The disinfectant solution without rinsing will be very useful during a meal taken on the go while traveling or at work, a family picnic, or a romantic getaway. Did you know that 25% of people eat a sandwich for lunch?

You can also use it directly in public transport, when arriving at the office, when leaving your car, or before each meal. If you practice outdoor activities, it will be very useful for you to disinfect your hands.

So you no longer have an excuse not to wash your hands, even without soap or water, the disinfectant gel will do just fine.

Choose the right disinfectant solution

There are many hydro-alcoholic solutions in different formats:pump system, family format, or pocket format to take everywhere. In gels or foams, you will find natural or pleasantly scented solutions. It's up to you to choose the solution that suits you best!

For sensitive skin and children, there is even a disinfectant foam of 100% plant origin, alcohol-free, triclosan-free (endocrine disruptor) and petrochemical-free. It will allow you to eliminate all microbes without attacking the skin. Tested under dermatological and pediatric control, this without rinsing solution therefore suitable for the whole family, even babies.