COVID-19 and Hand Washing
4/13/2020
Any virus – and that includes COVID-19 – is not a living organism. The fact is, viruses are protein molecules; more specifically, a chain of ribonucleic acid, or simply RNA. It differs from deoxyribonucleic acid or DNA, as RNA is a single strand molecule, whereas DNA is double stranded. And while DNA and RNA play essential roles for the coding, decoding, regulation and expression of our individual genetic make-up, there are many types of RNA within our cells including catalyzing biological reactions, controlling gene expression, or sensing and communicating responses to cellular signals.
It has been said that viruses are perfect parasites. Once a virus gets inside a cell, it hijacks the cellular processes to produce virally encoded protein that will replicate the virus’s genetic material. Thus, a virus is capable of translocating proteins and genetic material from the cell and assembling them into new virus particles.
In addition to the actual virus being a strand of RNA, it is protected by a layer of fat (or lipid material). It is this fatty layer that protects the virus from atmospheric elements (temperature, wind, rain, etc.) while allowing a virus to penetrate cell membranes.
The skin is an ideal surface for a virus. It is organic, which promotes the proteins and fatty acids in the dead cells on the surface to interact with the virus through both hydrogen bonds and the “fat-like” hydrophobic (water-repelling) interactions. So, when you touch a steel surface with a virus particle on it, it will stick to your skin while getting transferred to your hands. But you are not yet infected. If you touch your face, the virus can get transferred. And now the virus is dangerously close to the airways and the mucus-type membranes in and around your mouth, nose and eyes. So, the virus can get in and you are infected. That is, unless your immune system kills the virus.
Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies. And here is where hand washing becomes so important. Soap or detergent (not just warm water) can dissolve fat, causing the protein molecule to be unprotected and fall apart.
Not only is it important to wash your hands, it is important to wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This is because when you rub your hands together with soap, the soap lathers and creates foam. It is this foam, that is rubbed on your palms, and back of hands and between the fingers, that creates contact with the protective fatty layer, causing it to dissolve and thus, rendering the virus protein suspectable to our body’s natural defenses.
Heat can be very effective to combat viruses as heat melts fat. Therefore, it is important to use water above 25 degrees Celsius (77° F) for washing hands, clothes and well, everything. In addition, hot water makes more fat-dissolving foam than cold water.
Using alcohol to remove virus molecules from your skin can also be effective; however, it must be a mixture of 65%. This mixture can dissolve any fat; especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
A mixture of bleach and water is also effective; however the bleach concentration should be at least 10% as this directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
Oxygenated water (aka hydrogen peroxide) can be an effective prophylactic as it not only dissolves the virus protein, but it has a long-lasting impact. Just be cautious when using hydrogen peroxide as it should not diluted and therefore, can damage skin.
The virus molecules can remain very stable in external cold, including air conditioners in houses and cars. They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster. UV light on any object that may contain a virus can break the virus protein apart. This can be useful to disinfect and reuse masks (hydrogen peroxide is similarly effective to use on these items – but be careful that all the peroxide has been removed prior to wearing). Because UV light breaks down virus proteins, it has the ability to break down collagen (which is protein) in the skin, eventually causing wrinkles and potentially causing skin cancer.
Other things to note:
- The virus cannot go through healthy skin.
- Vinegar is not useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
- Typical alcoholic beverages, such as vodka is not an effective measure against viruses a the strongest vodka is 40-50% alcohol, and you need 65%.
- Since any virus is not a living organism, it is not affected by anti-bacterial soap; these products cannot kill what is not alive.
- And taking an antibiotic will not offer any medicinal benefit.
- Never shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. If you shake these items or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours and can come in contact with your nose or mouth.
Disinfecting common surfaces in the home or office is also important as the Corona virus has a considerable lifespan on many types of materials. Here are few examples of the life span on certain surfaces:
- Porous fabric: 3 hours
- Cardboard: 24 hours
- Metal surfaces: 42 hours
- Plastic surfaces: 72 hours
In conclusion, practicing social distancing and washing our hands often with warm water and soap are easy measures to ensure our health during this time of crisis….Everyone, stay healthy!
The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom