We Are Cooking in a Stew of Germs*

With all the /waves hands/ news going around about the Coronavirus (Covid-19), and it looks like it's happening (it's happening!), we should talk about how to stay as safe and healthy as possible.

First

Wash your hands. Every time you go to the bathroom, wash your hands. Before you eat, wash your hands. After you touch a bunch of stuff other people have touched, wash your hands.

Basically, wash your damn hands.

Second

While I'm on the subject of washing things, wash your stuff.

Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and object frequently will help stem the spread of respiratory viruses like Covid-19.

Third

If you cough or sneeze, do it into a tissue then throw said tissue away. If you don't have a tissue handy, sneeze into your elbow.

Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. And definitely do not just let them fly unrestricted. Sneezes shoot out of the face at approximately 100 MPH carrying all the germs and gunk in more than 100,000 droplets. Not only is that gross, it spreads viruses and bacteria.

Fourth

If you feel ill, and it's at all possible, stay home. Go out to get medical care, but otherwise snuggle down and get some rest. Watch some TV. Read a blog. Read a book. Read several books.

If you live with other people (or animals), try to minimize contact with them as well.

Fifth

I forgot an important list item! Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

This seems like a silly piece of advice, but viruses and bacteria get into the body through those three areas. Making sure your stuff is clean and washing your hands is an awesome defense, but it's all for nought if a stubborn viral jerk gets a free ride inside you. /shudders/ Inside you.

Recipe Time!**

To make your own hand sanitizer you'll need the following:

• Isopropyl alcohol
• Aloe Vera gel
• Scents, if you wish
• Moisturizers, if you wish

That's it! Mix two parts alcohol to one part everything else.

Using an alcohol with a percentage in the 60's is the best choice since that the most effective percentage to disrupt the virus.

Follow me on Twitter: @Anypocalypse

 

*Edited on 3/11/2020 to add in the bit I forget on an alarmingly regular basis.
**Edited on 3/12/2020 to correct the percentage type of alcohol with an explanation of why the percentage is good. For more information, listen to this episode of Do By Friday.