Three Things We Still Need Routinely Against Covid-19

As more cases are occurring every day in many of the Southern states, people are asking what should we still do in the New York and New Jersey—the hardest hit states at the beginning of the US pandemic.

Because the areas where the restrictions were first relaxed lately have been experiencing an increased number of cases, I think that we have to continue the precautions. Even places where there have not been many cases until now, can benefit from following the same recommendations, in order  to prevent a spike.

My focus is to find the right balance between effectiveness and safety, always looking for products that work well but that are not loaded with dangerous chemicals.

1. MASKS.

Although initially not that strongly recommended, seem more and more important. Wearing them can prevent the spread of the disease even when one is not coughing or sneezing. How come? Because this virus can spread from infected but asymptomatic people through aerosols (tiny particles that become airborne when breathing or talking). I wear a mask anytime I go inside a store or building and even outside if there are many people passing by.

What should be used to clean our hands and disinfect surfaces?

2. SOAP

Is the most effective against Covid-19, safe, and cheap. That’s what I’ve been using all along, working up a good lather over hands for 20 seconds does a good job in killing this virus by attacking its fat layer. I use soap bars and my favorite brand is Dr. Bronner’s, that lacks all kind of unwanted chemicals without losing any efficiency against this virus as well as many other viruses and bacteria.

The other question is what should we do when we can’t get to a sink, what sanitizer to use on our hands? Many of these have some toxic, harmful ingredients that can get absorbed through the skin, or remain on our hands and we can swallow them with the next bites. Some were recently recalled because of high methanol content.

3. SANITIZERS

Alcohol is the safe and effective, with isopropyl alcohol 60-80% or ethyl alcohol in similar concentration being the best. Sprayed over the hands and surfaces destroys this virus. I still wash my hands as soon as I get to a sink. My preferred brands for hand sanitizer sprays are Dr. Bronner’s, EO, and Pretty Frank. For wipes with the proper concentration of alcohol, I’ve been using EO brand wipes for many years.

The next best agent in my opinion is hydrogen peroxide. In the drug stores can be bought at a concentration of 3%. I dilute to 1.5% by adding the same amount of water. Against the Novel Coronavirus I read that even 1% is effective. 

I used either peroxide or isopropyl alcohol to disinfect door knobs, faucets, and at the height of the pandemic in our area, I sprayed some on paper towel or tissues to clean the plastic or glass containers I picked up at grocery stores. Of course, I don’t spray them on fresh produce. 

When cleaning surfaces with alcohol or peroxide, these do need a bit of time to work, shouldn’t be wiped off immediately.

Against Covid-19 on multiple surfaces also effective are bleach wipes and diluted bleach. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a diluted bleach solution (4 teaspoons bleach per 1 quart of water). Not only do I hate its smell but also get nausea and headaches from it, therefore I don’t use it since there are better alternatives. 

I heard and you probably did as well, that many people got sick from swallowing cleaners or washing fresh fruit or vegetable with bleach.

Apple cider vinegar doesn’t affect Covid-19, nor does tee tree oil— keep that in mind.

Bottom line: It doesn’t matter to use “super-potent” cleaners, the proper non-toxic work fine if used often and given the required time. That’s why everywhere you read or hear to wash hands frequently and for 20 seconds at a time.