A rational approach to COVID may take courage, because asking questions isn’t popular. The line between folklore and science is surfacing in the midst of the continuing COVID outbreak with all its variants.
When it comes to protecting yourself from catching the virus, there are a number of “truths” we’ve heard for years that need to be checked for accuracy. Many are half-truths.
Does Sunlight Kill Viruses?
One of these half-truths is that sunlight kills viruses. Sunlight does kill all virus types. However, the level of effectiveness isn’t as high as we need it to be.
A study published in the Journal of Virology set out to answer the question of how effective solar radiation is at killing viruses. They tested a wide range of viruses—corona included. The results should disturb you if you’re depending on sunshine to kill viruses on shopping cart handles.
Tests were conducted in the height of summer near noon. That’s when UVA radiation is at its strongest. An hour later 37% of the viruses were still alive. [Source]
To prevent the spread of COVID, we need a high percentage of kill. Unfortunately in winter, the sun’s angle is too low to be effective. Thus, little UVA gets through the atmosphere, so few viruses get enough UVA to die.
Do Essential Oils Kill Viruses?
Yes, there are some essential oils that have been proven in scientific studies to deactivate certain viruses. However, this isn’t an industry monitored by the Food and Drug Administration. This matters because there are no standards that manufacturers are required to meet.
Consider the findings of one study. “…the major chemical constituents of origanum essential oil (carvacrol and thymol)…differ in their origin as well as antimicrobial property.” [Source] In addition, the extraction method used makes a difference in how effective an essential oil is as an antiviral.
So even if you choose an essential oil that has proven antiviral properties, you still aren’t guaranteed that it will be effective.
There are several essential oils that test positively for antiviral activity on non-eveloped viruses—oregano, clove, tea tree, eucalyptus and thyme oil. [Source] However, I haven’t seen a study where these oils have been tested for effectiveness against corona strains, which are eveloped viruses.
Does Soap Kill Viruses?
Yes, believe it or not, COVID is vulnerable to soap because it has a lipid (fatty) bilayer. Soap dissolves that layer so the virus falls apart. In addition, soap helps break the bond between your skin and the virus so it washes away. [Source]
So suds up frequently and spend at least 20 seconds lathering up palms, back of hands, between fingers and under your fingernails to destroy and wash Corona away.
Does Alcohol Kill Viruses?
Yes, though strength is important. So, don’t waste 80 proof vodka making hand sanitizer. It’s only 40% alcohol, and the most effective strengths are between 60% to 80% alcohol.
However, stronger than 80% isn’t better. It turns out a little water slows evaporation, giving the alcohol longer to do its job. At the same time, too much water means not enough alcohol is present to work.
Is Mask Wearing Effective?
Since the latest strains of COVID appear to spread more through air-born particles than through touch, we need to ask this question. N95 masks are the only masks that offer protection in both directions—air in and air out. But this is only true if the fit is tight.
Is There a Better Way to Sneeze?
We’ve been told to sneeze into our sleeves since COVID began. However, this isn’t the most effective way to sneeze. A lot of air blows past the elbow. Instead, do one of two things.
1) Develop the habit of grabbing the front of your shirt/sweater, lifting it to over your nose, and sneezing into your chest. The air travels down your body, instead of outward.
2) Grab a tissue infused with anti-viral agents. Kleenex Anti-Viral tissue is currently the only tissue of this type available. They patented it for flu and cold viruses. If combined with careful hand washing, it is a good way to reduce the distance the virus travels.
Summary
A rational approach to COVID is to use soap and water as frequently as your lifestyle allows. When this option isn’t feasible, use enough hand sanitizer to get all the nicks and crannies on your hands. Focus on the spaces between your fingers and your fingernails. Most people miss these areas, yet that’s where viruses lurk.
If you want to use an essential oil-based lotion or massage oil to help keep moisture in your hands, do so. (Both soap and alcohol can be drying.) However, don’t depend on this to destroy any viruses you may pick up.
