As I am in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, I am constantly cleaning surfaces with disinfectant both in my home and my office. I am wiping down doorknobs and handles. I am constantly going back when my children place a plastic grocery sack on the countertop I just wiped down and throwing that sack away, only to go back and re-sanitize that surface again. I am wiping down my car steering wheeling. My hand washing has gone up three-fold. And I am seeing 90% of my patients virtually!

I received an email from a physician friend which contained information from Irene Ken whose daughter works in Infectious Disease at Johns Hopkins, and thought some of these items were really helpful tips in regards to COVID-19.

  • 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 foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).
  • HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
  • Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
  • Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.

 

  • NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
  • 4 hours (copper and wood)
  • 24 hours (cardboard)
  • 42 hours (metal)
  • 72 hours (plastic)
  • The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.

 

  • The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.

 

  • Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.

 

  • You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.