Here in Wichita, we are all getting used to some new guidelines on how to proceed with life with community and family health in mind. Dr. Mark Mosley, MD, MPH, from Wesley Medical Center shared some ways we can keep ourselves and homes cleaner and more healthy while we are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

HAND WASHING

  • Soap and water is better; hand sanitizer is still excellent. Not just fingertips—nails, front, back, between fingers.
  • Wash for at least 20 seconds- sing a song, a saying, a prayer, take 3 deep slow breaths. (Why we don’t use our 20 seconds to lift up our medical professionals in prayer? They are possibly facing difficult days ahead.)
  • Turn off the water with your elbow (if possible) or use the paper towel on the handle. (half of all bathroom faucets are contaminated with viruses when a person in the house is sick). Also use the paper towel to open the door (you will need a trashcan by the door to drop your paper towel)
  • Dry is better than wet. Viruses live longer in water. Dryness and the mechanical friction of drying both kill viruses.
  • Temperature of the water doesn’t matter (hot does not kill more)
  • If someone is sick, don’t have a community hand towel to dry hands.
  • Wash hands before you empty the dishwasher.

WASHING CLOTHES:

  • Drying clothes (at greater than 135 degrees C) for 30 minutes kills viruses and bacteria. Dry your clothes (if not muddy) before you put them in the dirty clothes. Dryers, not washers, are a primary way to kill viruses.

PLACES VIRUSES HIDE:

  • Sanitizer and soap dispenser pump handles!!
  • Coffee Pot handles
  • Phones
  • Remotes
  • Computer Keys
  • Stuffed Animals (put them in the dryer for 30 min)

IF YOU HAVE A SICK PERSON IN YOUR HOME:

  • If possible, the sick person should be kept in their own “sick room” and be the only person that uses their bathroom. They should not use other toilets or faucets or sinks (if possible).

THINGS THAT DO NOT WORK:

  • Hand dryers (not hot enough and not long enough time)
  • UV lights on skin
  • Spraying alcohol on skin
  • Sesame oil, essential oils or herbal remedies

Thank you so much Dr. Mosley for sharing your expertise and helping us all stay safer and healthier!

“In each sink of soap and water, your hands are an island of prayer.”