Hand Sanitizers & Covid-19

Throughout the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic there has been a variety of varying information regarding the effectiveness of hand sanitizer and other infection control supplies to combat the spread of the coronavirus. The FDA and the CDC have partnered together to answer some commonly misconstrued questions regarding hand sanitizer. Below we have highlighted some of the most informative responses. To read the entire article you can click here.

Q. Is hand sanitizer effective against Covid-19?

A. The best way to prevent the spread of infections and decrease the risk of getting sick is by washing your hands with plain soap and water, advises the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is essential, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing one’s nose. If soap and water are not available, CDC recommends consumers use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Q. Many surface cleaners and disinfectants say they can be used against SARS-CoV-2. What does this mean? Can I use these products on my hands or body to prevent or treat the virus?

A. Always follow the instructions on household cleaners. Do not use disinfectant sprays or wipes on your skin because they may cause skin and eye irritation. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are not intended for use on humans or animals. Disinfectant sprays or wipes are intended for use on hard, non-porous surfaces.

Q. If I add alcohol to non-alcohol hand sanitizer, will this be better to prevent COVID-19?

A. No. Addition of alcohol to an existing non-alcohol hand sanitizer is unlikely to result in an effective product. 

Q. Is hand sanitizer dangerous for children?

A. For children under six years of age, hand sanitizer should be used with adult supervision. When used according to the directions on the Drug Facts Label, hand sanitizer is not dangerous for children. Hand sanitizer is dangerous when ingested by children. Drinking only a small amount of hand sanitizer can cause alcohol poisoning in children. However, there is no need to be concerned if your children eat with or lick their hands after using hand sanitizer. It is also important to keep the product out of the eyes.

It’s important to understand that substituting hand sanitizer instead of washing your hands is not recommended. You should continue washing your hands whenever possible and use hand sanitizer if you don’t have access to soap and water. As always, SeparationScreen is continuing to offer a variety of infection control supplies including face masks, hand sanitizer, wex-cide germicidal disinfectant and SeparationScreen Cough Screens & Sneeze Guards.