You’ve probably heard that one thing to do to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to wash or sanitize your hands regularly. The reason hand washing is effective is that the virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the soap lather cuts the fat. That is also why you have to rub so much – for 20 seconds or more – to make a lot of lather. By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own. It is also important to use water over 77 degrees because heat melts fat, and hot water produces more lather, which makes it even more useful. Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% dissolves any fat, especially the external lipid layer of the virus. For more recommendations on what you can do to help prevent the spread of flu-like illnesses, visit our website at https://bit.ly/3bCYkWq
