Dear Editor,
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases keeps spreading across the globe. Consistent personal hygiene is said to be the easiest way to avoid the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly emphasized regular hand-washing as the simple way to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Frequent hand washing (hand hygiene) prevents life-threatening diseases as reported in numerous researches. Another study found that regular hand-washing with soap has positive impact on respiratory diseases, the practice cut infections by around 15 percent or even more. Previous study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 could be spread through fecal-oral route. A research conducted at University of Michigan found that use of surgical masks and alcohol-based hand sanitizers could cut the spread of flu-like symptoms (1).
As COVID-19 continues to affect many people worldwide, a public health specialists recommends a daily shower and brushing teeth at least twice daily. Many studies reveals that personal hygiene is very essential in protection against diseases (2). COVID-19 spreads through droplets when an infected person cough or sneeze, and sometimes through contaminated surfaces (3). During this COVID-19 pandemic promoting hand washing behaviors are needed to prevent the spread of this disease. Surfaces should be clean with disinfectant regularly, avoid traveling with a fever or cough, and stay separately at home if you are sick. The chief of World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that since the viable vaccine isn’t available, people should take control of their own health and follow the guidance regarding the self-protection against the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
References
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1.
Lopez G, Belluz J. Wash your damn hands: It's one of the best ways to prevent Covid-19 - and you're probably doing it wrong. 2020, [cited 2020 Apr 20]. Available from: https://www.vox.com/2020/2/28/21157769/how-to-prevent-the-coronavirus.
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2.
Demirci C. Daily showers essential to prevent coronavirus: Expert public health specialist urges to take shower daily, if not every other day as personal hygiene measure against COVID-19. 2020, [cited 2020 Apr 20]. Available from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/health/daily-showers-essential-to-prevent-coronavirus-expert/1775898#.
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3.
Alandry G. Frequent hand washing with soap is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). WaterAid. 2020, [cited 2020 Apr 20]. Available from: https://washmatters.wateraid.org/handwashing-to-fight-coronavirus.