The flu, much like a wildfire, spreads very easily. All it needs is a little bit of wind, right? According to a 2023 study that involved the 2021 to 2022 flu season, you had a 50% chance of contracting the virus. If you or someone you know is sick, then, how long does the contagious period last? Although this is a difficult question to answer precisely, health experts have several guidelines that may help stop the spread. 

How Does The Flu Spread?

The flu is a viral respiratory illness that primarily spreads via close contact with an infected person. Infected flu patients expel germ-filled droplets when they cough, sneeze, or talk. When those droplets land in the mouth or nose of another person, that person is at risk of becoming infected. The droplets can also land on surfaces, such as doorknobs, TV remotes, or keyboards, which a healthy person can touch and then touch their mouth, eyes, or nose, thereby causing infection. 

You cannot always avoid these droplets when you are around someone with the flu. You can, however, take cautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following tips to avoid spreading the flu:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and then throw that tissues away
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated (especially high-touch surfaces)
• Avoid close contact with sick people, and limit contact with others when you are sick
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever subsides
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth as much as possible
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when you don’t have access to soap and water

How Long Does The Flu Last?

Infected with the flu? Well, it can last a few days or a couple weeks. More often than not, people who decided to get a flu shot will get over infection quicker than people who did not get vaccinated. Flu symptoms, such as body aches, fever, or chills, typically come on quickly and subside slowly. According to health experts, the average time between exposure to the virus and the appearance of symptoms is two days. 

Statistically, days two through four are the worst, regarding severity of symptoms. You will know that you are nearing the end of your flu when your fever is down and you no longer feel body aches. At that point, the virus is controlled, but coughing, runny nose, and fatigue can stick around for a little while after that. You may even experience some flu dizziness that can last for a couple days or weeks, depending on the cause. 

How Long Is The Flu Contagious?

Typically, you are most contagious during the first three days of sickness, according to the CDC. That said, you are likely contagious for a day before the onset of symptoms and several more once they subside. That means an infected person can spread the flu one day before they experience symptoms. You can spread it and not know it, especially if you did not know that the person you encountered was infected with the flu.

You are the most contagious when your symptoms peak, which is days two through four. It’s possible that you can continue to spread the virus until symptoms go away completely, though. Basically, you are no longer contagious once your symptoms are gone entirely. You can expedite your recovery through various alternative remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) flu medications. Just keep in mind that those OTCs that only lower fever will not help you get over your sickness faster or make you less contagious. They only make you more comfortable and able to deal with symptoms.

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Fall and winter, besides being associated with the holidays, are considered cold and flu season. At the moment, though, the United States (U.S.) is in the middle of another COVID-19 summer surge. Surveillance data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that high levels of the virus have been detected across most of the country. With the exception of 19 states, COVID-19 cases are very high, especially in the western part so the U.S.

Although it is inconvenient, it is very normal for COVID cases to spike during the summer. In fact, it has happened every summer since COVID-19 arrived on the scene. Why do cases increase, though? Below, we will explain why it tends to happen during the summer months and how you can protect yourself from the virus.

What Is A Summer Surge?

A COVID summer surge is defined by an unexpected increase in the number of COVID cases during the summer months, according to infectious disease specialists. Other than allergies, mild infectious illnesses like the cold and flu are common during fall and winter. That said, viruses can surge any time of the year. A COVID surge in the summer is common because people travel more and gather in large groups indoors and outdoors. 

The virus continues to evolve and stays ahead of the immune system. The immune system recognizes the infection of past variants as new ones appear, which can lead to an increase in new infections. And over the years, health experts have observed a big surge in COVID-19 cases at the beginning of summer. 

What Is Causing The Current Surge?

There isn’t just one cause that health experts can blame for the increase in COVID cases. The first of many causes is that people do not have immunity to the new variants. Immunity to prior COVID infection is short-lived. In fact, immunity can wane after just three months. That means that you need a new strategy if you plan to rely on your immunity to protect against COVID-19 infection. Perhaps that looks like getting a COVID booster vaccine, which is given out similarly to the flu vaccine nowadays. 

The COVID-19 FLiRT variants are largely driving this summer surge, though. These variants are more adept at evading the immune system. The weather may also factor into the equation. Some health experts explain that the emerging variants potentially thrive more in the heat than they do in the cold. That could cause an increase in COVID cases in the summer, as opposed to late fall and early winter. Additionally, the extreme heat, which is present across the country, drives people to gather indoors. 

Is it possible that the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will cause an uptick in COVID-19 cases? It’s always possible because large gatherings, be they indoor or outdoor, are the perfect environment for the virus to spread easily. That is true for people having guests over to their houses to watch the Olympics, or for attendees watching the games in person. In fact, there is already evidence of some olympic athletes testing positive since the start of the Summer Games. 

Will The COVID Surge Continue?

Health experts anticipate that the surge will continue as summer comes to a close. As long as people gather indoors and travel, transmission remains a worry. That said, infectious disease specialists are hopeful that another surge will not hit until late fall, or even early winter when people travel to see family for the holidays. If people take precautions, though, there is a chance that another spike in cases will not occur. It’s also possible that another surge will not be as big as the summer surge. 

How Do You Protect Yourself During Surges?

In order to prepare for a surge and reduce your risk of infection during summer, health experts encourage the following:

• Test regularly for COVID-19, especially if you live with high-risk individuals
• Open your windows if you have a large gathering
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands regularly and using hand sanitizer
• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces, especially if you have a loved one who is immunocompromised 
• Use a HEPA air filtration system to reduce the risk of transmission
• Stay up-to-date on boosters and vaccinations

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Unilever has recalled dry shampoo aerosol products sold across the nation due to elevated levels of benzene, a known carcinogen. The recent recall is the newest of half a dozen in this year alone. Benzene, a cancer-causing chemical, has shown up in several product recalls, including those for deodorant, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen. 

For the current recall, certain Dove, Nexxus, Suave, TIGI, and TRESemmé aerosol dry shampoos showed the potential presence of benzene. These products were produced prior to October 2021 and were distributed to retailers nationwide. Products include Dove Dry Shampoo Volume and Fullness, Nexxus Dry Shampoo Refreshing Mist, Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Refresh and Revive, and Dove Dry Shampoo Fresh Coconut. 

What Is Benzene?

To put it simply: benzene is a bad molecule for you. It tops the FDA’s list of about 70 solvents to avoid, and there is no argument about whether or not it can cause cancer in humans. Exposure to benzene can occur via inhalation, orally, and through the skin. Too much exposure can result in certain cancers, including leukemia and blood cancer, according to the recall notice. This isn’t to say that people who used one or more of the recalled products containing benzene will get cancer, though. It is, however, a problematic compound that you should keep an eye out for when purchasing products. Even small amounts of benzene can lead to major consequences. For example, there was a global recall of Perrier after benzene was found in bottles of that mineral water 30 years ago.

It is important to note that benzene was not an ingredient in any of the recalled products. Scientists believe that it came about as the result of other petroleum products like butane. If butane is not refined properly, it can end up containing other components, including benzene. The more scientists examined the recalled products, though, the more benzene they found. There were petitions in 2021 to recall products after studies detected benzene in 54% of the 108 batches from 30 brands of body spray products. According to an internal probe by Unilever, the propellant was identified as the source. The company is currently working with propellant suppliers to address the issue. 

Benzene Is Very Common

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claimed that benzene is one of the most commonly made products in the U.S. It is present in gasoline and cigarette smoke. Common exposure to benzene is by breathing the chemical in the air, but absorbing it through the skin is very easy. It seems that the most common products that get recalled for possible benzene presence are aerosol products. For example, Unilever recalled two Suave 24-hour protection aerosol antiperspirants in March 2022. Procter & Gamble also recalled aerosol dry shampoo and condition spray products from six brands sold nationwide in December 2021. 

What Should You Do?

If you have any of the dry shampoos mentioned in this article, you should stop using them immediately. Consider avoiding products from Unilever, as this is the second recall this year involving products possibly containing benzene. Unilever is a conglomerate that sells about 400 products worldwide, from Ben & Jerry’s ice cream to Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Additionally, L’Oréal and other parties are being sued over claims about chemical hair-straightening products that increase women’s risk of uterine cancer.

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Summer travel is returning after more than one year of quarantine. Most people are ready to escape their homes and travel to a new and exciting destination, be it the Grand Canyon or The Colosseum. Fortunately, many countries continue to open their boarders to U.S. citizens, and travel within the U.S. is getting easier. As more Americans continue to get COVID-19 vaccines, travel is a lot safer than it has been since the beginning of the pandemic. 

If you are fully vaccinated, traveling isn’t as big of a risk as it was pre-vaccination. Unfortunately, the vaccine is not an immunity shield that will protect you against everything you encounter. It’s still your responsibility to take some precautions to keep yourself and others healthy and safe. The good news is that it’s much safer to travel now than it was before. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) stated that vaccinated individuals can safely travel within the United States. 

If you plan on traveling or getting away this summer, the following tips can keep you healthy, safe, and happy. Enjoy the summer and wherever you visit!

Be Prepared To Prove Your Vaccination Status

According to a recent report, it’s not a HIPAA violation for businesses or people to ask about your vaccination status. Travelers who are fully vaccinated may need to provide proof of vaccination. This applies for both domestic and international travels, but it will ultimately depend on your destination. Make sure to keep your vaccine card with you while you travel.

Assess COVID-19 Rates Where You’re Going

When you decide on a destination, it’s important to consider the COVID-19 infection rate. Some places have higher numbers than others and some places have lower vaccination rates. It’s very easy to look up the state’s public health department’s information online and assess the risk by looking at the color-coded map. 

Keep That Sanitizer On Hand

It’s tempting to toss your stash of sanitizer, but don’t do it just yet, especially if you decide to travel over summer. Taking an airport shuttle, flying in an airplane, grabbing door handles or handrails at attractions you visit call for sanitation. You don’t have to sanitize every ten minutes, but keeping clean hands is one way to keep yourself safe. Make sure that sanitizers contain at least 60% alcohol. You can also wash your hands with soap and water when available. 

Don’t Sacrifice Sleep

There tends to be two types of travelers: those who want to sleep as much as possible, and those who want to do as much as possible. Health experts advise that you should not neglect sleep when you travel. Sleep deprivation can lead to poor immune function and body recovery, which increases your chances of getting sick. If you plan on taking a road trip this summer, make sure to get that sleep. Driving while tired is just as dangerous as driving drunk.

Take Tests If Necessary

Some countries, which recently opened borders to U.S. citizens, still require negative COVID-19 tests taken within 72 hours of departure. If you show up to an international departure without this test, they may not allow you to travel. Keep in mind that travelers arriving back to the U.S. from international destinations have to show a negative COVID-19 test. Always check travel restrictions or requirements for wherever you travel.

Consider Private Accommodations

If you normally stay in hostels, hotels or resorts when you travel, you may want to try something different. Limiting contact or interactions with others in those environments may be the perfect way to ease back in to safe travels. Consider booking a small apartment, guest house, or home as a safer and more private accommodation. There are many apps and sites that can help you book these stays. 

Be Smart About Activities

Many activities are safe, especially if you are vaccinated or outdoors. COVID-19 rates continue to decline in the U.S., but this is not the case in certain countries, where vaccination rates are very low. Depending on your destination, you may need to exercise higher safety measures. You may want to do certain activities while on vacation that are not so safe right now. Going out to bars, concerts, karaoke cafes, or other crowded indoor spaces comes with increased risk of COVID-19 exposure. Your odds of getting sick are always much lower if you are outside. By the way, there’s no shame in wearing a mask even if mask mandates end. Do what is necessary to feel comfortable and safe.

Have Fun

While traveling may come with risks you never considered before, it’s still important to have fun. It may take a full day or so to relax and feel comfortable at your travel destination, but that’s completely normal. Enjoy your travels, especially if you received the vaccine. Be smart and careful, but make sure to embrace the culture, city, or place you visit.

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Let’s keep the strange going as we round out 2020, which has been something unimaginable to say the least. We don’t know about you, but does it ever feel like you’re in a surreal movie? Well, we can only do our best to provide you with advice to stay as healthy as possible as we progress through these trying times. 

Now, we face a time of year when the masses typically gather in malls, stores, restaurants, and houses: the holidays. Given that social distancing, mask wearing, and being outdoors help prevent the spread of COVID-19, holiday shopping poses a couple problems. For starters, most holiday shopping occurs indoors, where ventilation is minimal. On top of that, you have people crowding in stores, which may or may not limit capacity due to county regulations. The good news is that there are easy ways to reduce you risk of contracting COVID-19 during holiday shopping. 

#1: Take Advantage Of Online Shopping

One of the best parts about living in a digital age is that we have access to almost every single store from the comfort of our own homes. We can sit in pajamas and buy everything we could ever want. The great thing about online shopping during COVID-19 is that most retailers have an extended return policy, so you can return the items if they don’t fit or match the description. The only thing to keep in mind is that shipping during the holidays will be a nightmare, so you need to do your shopping like yesterday. This is the safest way to shop during the holidays. 

#2: Use Curbside Service

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19, many businesses offer curbside pickup. Avoid the crowds, remain in your vehicle, and simply pick up your items by taking advantage of curbside services. You can order online and select curbside pickup, or you can call ahead to order. This is a great option to minimize interaction with the public. 

#3: B.Y.O.S

What does that stand for? Bring your own sanitizer, of course! This is a must if you plan on shopping in stores this holiday season. Fortunately, most stores and malls installed many hand sanitizer stations and regularly disinfect the store to ensure customer safety. While holiday shopping typically takes place at malls, which have bathrooms, it’s a good idea to bring hand sanitizer. Even though bathrooms offer soap and water (the best option for hand washing), those bathrooms will probably be crowded. If you do bring sanitizer, make sure that it contains at least 60% alcohol.

#4: Use Contactless Payment Options

Most stores encourage the use of contactless payment options to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. When paying for your in-store purchases, try to pay with a contactless credit card. Simply hold the card above the payment terminal or tap the appropriate area. This helps you avoid physical contact with payment terminals, which are high-touch items, and cashiers. You can find out if you have contactless payment by asking your card issuer or looking for the wave symbol on the card. 

#5: Follow CDC Safety Recommendations

Depending on which stores or malls you visit, this may be easy or difficult. Any time that you venture out into the world, always take a mask, bring hand sanitizer, and be prepared to socially distance. The most important rule is to wear a mask. You may even see people who decide to wear a surgical mask and cloth mask. Anytime you leave a store, use hand sanitizer or wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds, provided that option is available. If you visit the CDC’s website, you can find more tips about staying safe during holiday shopping. 

#6: Try To Shop Locally

Where do most people shop during the holidays? They head to malls and big commercial stores that sell popular items. The smaller local businesses, which sell handmade products, are in need of your support. Plus, they offer unique gifts that often match the sensibilities of the people you are shopping for. Not only does shopping locally make your gift more personal, but it also supports the community. Additionally, these stores will probably be less crowded, and they’ll do a better job at regulating capacity. 

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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning against hand sanitizer products made by Eskbiochem, a Mexican company. The reason for this warning is because the hand sanitizers reportedly contain methanol, a toxic chemical that poses “potential danger.” The warning applies to nine sanitizers made by Eskbiochem.

According to an FDA statement, all nine samples of Eskbiochem hand sanitizers tested positive for methanol. Scientists say that methanol exposure can induce vomiting, blurred vision, seizures, permanent damage to the nervous system, nausea, permanent blindness, or death in rare cases. If people recently used hand sanitizers from this company, they may be at risk for methanol poisoning. The greatest risk for methanol poisoning is ingesting methanol, either purposefully or accidentally.

What Hand Sanitizers Should You Avoid?

The FDA advises people to avoid all Eskbiochem hand sanitizers. The company manufactures the following products:

• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
• Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
• Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
• The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
• All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
• CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
• Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)

Methanol is not acceptable for hand sanitizers because it has toxic effects. According to the FDA test sample results, Lavar Gel contained 81% (v/v) methanol and no ethyl alcohol, while CleanCare No Germ contained 28% (v/v) methanol. If you recently used any of the nine sanitizers listed above, please seek medical help to decrease your risk of toxic side effects.

What Is Methanol?

While methanol is a type of alcohol, it is very poisonous. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), methanol is in both antifreeze and racing fuel. The body metabolizes methanol into formic acid, a chemical compound that is very toxic to your cells. It is deadly if a child ingests two tablespoons of methanol, while two to eight ounces can be deadly for the average adult.

The Good News So Far

As of right now, there have been no reports of illness tied to the use of these hand sanitizers. The FDA contacted Eskbiochem to remove its hand sanitizer products from the market, due to methanol poisoning risk. Consumers should not use these products, and they should dispose of them immediately if they have them.

Remember that hand washing with soap and water is always the best option to remove germs from your hands. Hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol is a viable option when soap and water are not available.

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We can’t deny the effectiveness of hand washing when it comes to preventing the spread of infectious disease like COVID-19, but soap and water are not always available. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, which contains at least 60% alcohol, is the next best option. Before the COVID-19 outbreak, hand sanitizer was readily available in stores and pharmacies. Rather than letting anxiety levels skyrocket because you can’t buy hand sanitizer, make your own instead.

You don’t need to panic if your favorite disinfectant products or hand sanitizer is not available in stores because you can easily make your own. For example, click here if you want to make a homemade disinfectant spray. Unless you stockpiled hand sanitizer, which you should not do, chances are that you need the recipe in this article.

A Word About Hand Sanitizers

It is imperative that you understand that hand sanitizers should not take the place of hand washing. Alcohol-based disinfectants like hand sanitizer are effective in a pinch. Obviously, a sink with soap and water is not always within reach, but a good old-fashioned scrub is the best way to protect yourself against contagious diseases. When you do use hand sanitizer, make sure to rub your hands together for 25-30 seconds.

Are DIY Hand Sanitizers Safe?

Given that there are so many DIY hand sanitizer recipes all over the internet, it is valid to wonder if they are in fact safe to use. One thing to keep in mind is that a DIY recipe must contain isopropyl alcohol with 91-99% alcohol content. If the alcohol percentage in a hand sanitizer recipe is below 60%, then it isn’t effective at killing germs. According to the hand sanitizer recipe on the World Health Organization’s website, it is closer to a liquid gel. It can be a little harsh on the hands if you have sensitive skin. Click here if you want hand sanitizer recipes that are gentler on the skin. Note that the recipes in that link do not meet the CDC’s 60% alcohol content benchmark.

Hand Sanitizer Recipe

The World Health Organization (WHO) approves this recipe, but we’ve reduced the amounts of each ingredient. The reason for this is because the recipe on the WHO website results in 2.6 gallons of hand sanitizer. We figured that you don’t need that much, so start off with the following amount and see if you like it.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup 99% isopropyl alcohol
• 1 tablespoon 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 1 teaspoon 98% glycerin
• ¼ cup distilled water

Instructions:

• Pour the alcohol into a medium-sized measuring cup that has a pour spout.
• Add the hydrogen peroxide and give it a gentle stir before pouring the glycerin into the mixture. Because glycerin is thicker, it will take time to combine everything. Get your whisking muscles ready for action because you’ll need them.
• Pour in the distilled water and stir to combine.
• Carefully pour the mixture into a spray bottle and screw on the top. To avoid the ingestion of this hand sanitizer, please label it that it is in fact hand sanitizer. The last thing you want is for someone to ingest this mixture.
• Now go kill some germs, people.

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The new coronavirus, which is officially known as SARS-CoV-2, is an infectious virus that can lead to the coronavirus disease 19 or COVID-19. This virus has spread to almost every country around the world, and people are uncertain of what the future holds. This fear of the unknown has caused everyone to utter the question: “How can I protect myself from getting the virus?”

Scientists have determined that people who develop COVID-19 typically have an underlying illness or existing health problems. The virus can multiply quickly in the body, and you can pass the virus if you are both symptomatic or asymptomatic. The fact of the matter is that each person can be affected differently because there are so many unknown factors.

Tips For Prevention

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged everyone to cover their faces with cloth masks in public places, where it is difficult to maintain a six-foot distance from others. Wearing masks, in combination with social distancing, will hopefully slow the spread of the virus. The CDC also advises that people shouldn’t stockpile surgical masks and N95 respirators because those are reserved for healthcare workers. For more prevention tips, please continue reading.

Avoid Touching The Eyes, Nose, And Mouth

Most people are not aware of how frequently they touch their faces throughout the day. The reason you should avoid touching your face is because the hands touch so many surfaces, where viruses can live. Once they become contaminated, they can transfer the virus to your nose, eyes, or mouth. That is when you can become sick.

Wash Hands Frequently

Do not use scalding hot water to wash your hands because your skin can dry out more quickly. Use lukewarm water with soap (preferably antibacterial or antiviral soap) and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Get in between your fingers, under your fingernails, and even up to your wrists. Click here to learn proper hand washing technique.

Limit Contact With Others

The reason it is important to practice social distancing is to put space between you and others, who may have the virus. If an infected person sneezes or coughs, those droplets can travel and you can breathe them in if you are too close. When you are in public, maintain a six-foot distance between others. If you live in a community with a high number of cases, stay home as much as possible, avoid contact with people who are not members of the household, and only go out to visit essential services.

Clean And Disinfect

In addition to maintaining personal hygiene, it’s integral to use alcohol-based disinfectants to clean hard surfaces in the home or car. Door handles, furniture, toys, countertops, computers, remotes, and your phone are frequently touched throughout the day. Disinfect those areas and items frequently.

Disinfect Your Groceries

The items in grocery stores are exposed to many germs, even without the threat of COVID-19. Now more than ever, it is integral to disinfect cans, frozen items, any packaged food, and produce that you purchase. Prior to putting your groceries away at home, it can be beneficial to soak all raw fruits and vegetables in a solution of food-grade hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar. And wash your hands after handling fresh produce.

Don’t Share Personal Items

When it comes to personal items like phones, makeup, combs, forks, straws, or towels, avoid sharing them with others. Additionally, teach children to recognize their own cups, straws, and dishes as a precautionary measure for their health and safety.

Self-Quarantine If You Feel Sick

Whether you come down with COVID-19 or not, stay home if you experience any symptoms that indicate sickness. Remain in your house until you are fully recovered. Avoid sleeping, eating, or engaging with loved ones if you live in the same home. If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, call your doctor for an appointment.

Following these tips can help flatten the curve and propel society towards a healthier future. Stay healthy, everyone, and be kind to each other.

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It seems as though “wash your hands,” “stay at home,” and “keep your distance” are the only things being said nowadays. Diligent hand washing is one of the most effective ways to keep germs away, but all this hand washing can take a toll on your skin. As if the dropping stocks, Safer At Home laws, and crazed toilet paper hoarders weren’t enough, now you have to worry about really dry hands.

Guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that people should scrub hands with antibacterial soap and water for 20 seconds per wash. When soap and water are not available, people are encouraged to use hand sanitizers, but these aren’t as effective at getting rid of germs. The frequent use of hand sanitizers and nonstop hand washing can lead to dry or cracked skin. While hand washing is paramount for keeping yourself germ-free, you need to take proper measures to care for your skin.

Wash With Warm Water

According to many surgeons, who wash their hands upwards of 70 times a day, washing hands with lukewarm water is the best option. Dr. Daniela Kroshinsky, director of pediatric dermatology and inpatient dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital, said that very hot water can dry things out, stripping your hands of natural oils. Keep your hands healthy by washing with lukewarm water and plenty of soap.

Blot Dry

The way you dry your hands is equally as important as the way you wash them. The best way is to blot your hands dry, as opposed to wiping them because that can cause micro-abrasions on the skin. Paper towels are best because they are single use and disposable. If you use towels at home, everyone in the home should get his or her own towel and the towels should be replaced with clean ones every three days.

Apply Moisturizer

When you don’t seal water into the skin after washing, the skin can become very dry. Creams, ointments, or moisturizers are better than lotions because lotions have high water content, meaning they don’t block water from escaping the skin. You want to use a product that helps the skin retain moisture. Moisturizers work to restore the barrier function of the epidermis, providing a protective film on the skin. If you need a few DIY all natural moisturizers, click here.

Use A Cuticle Oil

While you have to worry about moisturizing your hands, you need to pay equal attention to your cuticles. Cuticles can dry out easily with frequent hand washing, so you may want to keep cuticle oil on your desk, in your bag, in your car, or somewhere that is near your person so that you can apply it regularly. Click here to make an easy cuticle oil.

Moisturize Before Bed

Apply your moisturizer or carrier oil to your hands before bed so that they can heal overnight. If you don’t want to use a moisturizer, you can use jojoba oil with a few drops of tea tree oil to encourage healthier skin. Before you climb into bed, let the moisturizer or oil soak into your skin, so you don’t immediately wipe it off onto your sheets.

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Hand washing is something that we are all taught to do, and so many of us have think we understand how and when to wash our hands. The truth is that most people don’t wash their hands correctly. Since one of the top recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to wash your hands during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it is integral to wash them correctly.

When To Wash Your Hands

While people are encouraged to practice social distancing as a preventative measure, keeping your hands clean is just as important. Most people don’t realize how many surfaces they touch on a regular basis, and they often forget what they touched and proceed to touch their faces. This can lead to potential infection with the germs from their hands. Keeping your hands germ-free is near impossible, but frequent hand washing can help limit the transfer of bacteria, microbes, and viruses.

Always Wash Your Hands Before:

• Preparing food or eating
• Treating wounds or caring for sick people
• Inserting or removing contact lenses

Always Wash Your Hands After:

• Using the toilet
• Treating wounds or caring for sick people
• Changing diapers or cleaning up after a child who has used the toilet
• Touching an animal or animal waste
• Handling pet food or pet treats
• Touching garbage
• Blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

How To Wash Your Hands

It’s always best to use antibacterial soap and water to wash your hands. Over-the-counter antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular soap. Follow the steps below to properly wash your hands.

• Wet your hands with clean, running water that is either warm or cold.
• Apply soap and lather the fronts and backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
• Scrub thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Some people sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice to make sure 20 seconds has elapsed.
• Rinse your hands under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel. 

If You Can’t Use Soap And Water, Use Hand Sanitizer

Hand washing with soap and water is always the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not immediately available, alcohol-based hand sanitizer is the next best option. Hand sanitizers can reduce the amount of germs on your hands in many situations, but:

• They do not get rid of all types of germs
• They may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
• They may not remove harmful chemicals like heavy metals or pesticides.

Hand washing offers many benefits and adopting healthy hand washing habits can play a major role in your overall health. Additionally, make sure that children wash their hands frequently to keep them germ-free. Stay safe out there, be kind to people, and remember to wash your hands.

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