As the world is fighting for a Coronavirus outbreak, which has killed more than 3,500 people worldwide, health officials are emphasising all it takes is one touch for microbes on your fingers to slip into your body through your nostril, eyes or mouth.
This was said by California health official Dr. Dawn Mueni through a video that has been widely shared on social media on Friday.
In the video the health officer is seen touching her face during a news conference advising people not to do that as coronavirus outbreak spreads.
“Viruses that affect the respiratory system enter the body through mucosal membranes which are found in the nose, oral cavity and lips. With poor hand hygiene, it’s easy to acquire a viral infection this way,” says Dr. Dawn Mueni Becker, an infectious disease specialist.
Becker continue saying that people should Start working on not touching their faces, because one main way viruses spread is when you touch your own mouth, nose or eyes.
Being conscious or aware of this habit is helpful when it comes to avoiding touching the face,” Becker says:
“Identifying triggers such as runny nose or urge to sneeze is important. In this case, having tissue close by is helpful — it’s better to use that to touch your face than bare hands.”
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If water is not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitise that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Soap and water are especially preferred if hands are visibly dirty, the CDC says, and especially after using the bathroom, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
