The flu, like a cold, is caused by a virus. Anti-bacterial soaps and disinfectants don't help against viruses any more than regular soap or countertop-wiping do. Yet washing one's hands is helpful for destroying the viruses on the hand, some of which go on to infect us through or noses, mouths, or eyes.
I once heard, I think on the NPR show Science Friday, that the important thing about washing our hands isn't the soap, or even the water, but rather the simple act of rubbing, which creates friction and destroys the viruses, or at least dislodges them from the oils on our skin. So when Laura got the flu a little over a week over, I began wringing my hands with restless regularity. However, it didn't work. I became infected nevertheless.
2 comments:
I am very sorry to that you got sick and flat out horrified that you were not able to avoid it despite you great efforts. That stated, I am glad to have learned that friction is a key element to fighting off germs. I have amended my hand washing accordingly.
Bobby el al.— I still believe the best way to avoid getting sick is to get infected early so that you have immunity to that virus for the remainder of the virus's existence.
Post a Comment