General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsShouldn't we all just wear gloves?
And long sleeve shirts, as long as thats realistic weather-wise? The virus is less of a danger once the weather warms up.
Ms. Toad
(34,123 posts)but I do wear long sleeves & use them as gloves to prevent touching things direcly with my hands.
tinrobot
(10,927 posts)Just watched an infectious disease expert give an interview. The virus is transmitted mostly through the air. So, stay away from crowds and other tight space where you have to breathe the same air as other people.
I mean gloves might help a bit, but not as much as keeping your distance.
uppityperson
(115,681 posts)Evergreen Emerald
(13,071 posts)I have in my car paper towels and disinfectant wipes. When I go to the store, or fill my tank with gas, I use the paper towels to touch the door handles, card readers, etc.
Gloves would also work.
uppityperson
(115,681 posts)They didn't want to touch the money or groceries. However, they did not change or clean their gloves between people, meaning whatever germs they got on the gloves were passed on and on and on and on.
Single use is good, or give can be sanitized between people just as hands can. That way you don't get chapped hands and also don't pass on germs.
applegrove
(118,880 posts)for hours. Gloves are surfaces.
WhiskeyGrinder
(22,487 posts)marybourg
(12,648 posts)How could you possibly know that?
cwydro
(51,308 posts)Surely it must be true.
marybourg
(12,648 posts)to see it repeated here on DU.
tinrobot
(10,927 posts)It is closely related to SARS and MERS, which are not affected.
intrepidity
(7,346 posts)Washing hands and hand sanitizer destroys the virus.
So, yes, gloves have their role, as in a healthcare environment.
Out in the wild, I'd say do your part in destroying as many of the little suckers as you can.
Unless you mean, walking around with a spray bottle of 70% alcohol or 3% hydrogen peroxide, spraying surfaced everywhere, while wearing gloves.
global1
(25,293 posts)as you indicated in your post? Or does it just wash it off the surface that your washing?
intrepidity
(7,346 posts)Soap can chemically alter the surface proteins of the virus, as does alcohol, h202, bleach, etc. Assuming physical contact and for proper duration.
Even physical agitation may harm the virus, but I wouldn't count on that, as with just water and rubbing.
applegrove
(118,880 posts)health experts say. I read last night that some virus could remain on the towel you use to dry your hands so get paper towels you can throw out or bar cloths and wash your cloths after use.
uponit7771
(90,370 posts)... face.
Meowmee
(5,164 posts)For cleaning, handling garbage etc. I have been doing it for years and recently had to quarantine one of my cats for possible rabies, a parasite and C difficile, which took several steps. You still need to follow a protocol and not touch your face etc. and remove them properly. Regular gloves could protect you, but you need to not touch your face or other things etc. and they would have to be removed proprly and cleaned after use which is problematic. bac- d or alcohol free hand sanitizers containing benzelkonium chloride will protect you for several hand washes.
Even when using the disposable gloves for protection etc. you should wash and sanitize your hands after removing them.
I am not so sure about it being primarily transmitted by air so it is best to be cautious about all contact and I wouldnt bump elbows either. People who have had transplants and such wear protective masks for a few months at first so they offer protection as well. When I went with a family member to an area where bone marrow transplant patients were we had to wear masks.
mainer
(12,037 posts)She's covered epidemics from SARS to Ebola and she never wore a mask. She only wore gloves. We aren't aware of how many public surfaces we touch every day if we're out in public, and gloves protect our hands from all those automatic contacts. Then when you're in a place with soap and water, you take off the gloves, wash your hands, and don a new set. If your gloves are washable (e.g. cotton) then you can re-use them.
mainer
(12,037 posts)2. If you are in a social situation where you should remove your gloves, perhaps to shake hands or dine, do not touch your face or eyes, no matter how much something itches. Keep your hands away from contact with your face. And before you put your gloves back on, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, scrubbing the fingers. Put your gloves on.
3. Change gloves daily, washing them thoroughly, and avoid wearing damp gloves.
4. Masks are useless when worn outdoors and may not be very helpful even indoors. Most masks deteriorate after one or two wearings. Using the same mask day after day is worse than uselessits disgusting, as the contents of your mouth and nose eventually coat the inside of the mask with a smelly veneer that is attractive to bacteria. I rarely wear a face mask in an epidemic, and I have been in more than 30 outbreaks. Instead, I stay away from crowds, and I keep my distance from individual peoplea half meter, about 1.5 feet, is a good standard. If someone is coughing or sneezing, I ask them to put on a maskto protect me from their potentially contaminated fluids. If they decline, I step a meter (about 3 feet) away from them, or I leave. Dont shake hands or hug peoplepolitely beg off, saying its better for both of you not to come in close contact during an epidemic.
https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/01/25/wuhan-coronavirus-safety-china/
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)This time I will preface my opinion, which I think is informed by saying wear gloves it you want.
But you still have to follow the exact same rules if you do not wear gloves. Do not touch your face. And think back to your last doctors visit. The first thing he or she does when taking their gloves off is was you hands with soap and water. Gloves to not repel virus or bacteria, they are just impervious to them. Exactly like your skin is.
Now, if you, like your doctor risk of contacting bodily fluid, as is your doctor then you should certainly wear gloves. Like taking care of a loved one who is sick.
The only thing I get nervous about wearing gloves is them making people have a false sense of security and will neglect good hygiene.
Again, if you continue to practice good hygiene there is no reason to wear gloves.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Gloves don't work unless you constantly shed them for "clean" ones.
mainer
(12,037 posts)Gloves do not substitute for washing your hands (when you take off the gloves) and avoiding your face. They are just another barrier for the moments when you slip up.