Respiratory viruses, such as Covid-19, can enter our body only through a “door”. This door is called mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are an internal “skin” that produce mucus. Covid-19 can go through, for instance, the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose and airways.

Covid-19 is mainly found in droplets of saliva secreted by a person who coughs, sneezes or talks.  A mask can reduce the risk of breathing in these droplets. It can reduce the severity of the disease if a transmission occurs.

These droplets are also deposited on surfaces. The saliva dries but the virus is still infectious for some time. A sick person can contaminate large surfaces, which will allow an indirect transmission of the disease. For example by touching a contaminated surface and rubbing the eyes afterwards. Public areas have about 100% chance of having contaminated surfaces!

To break this chain, hand sanitizing during the day breaks the chain of transmission of the virus.

Now that the Delta variant is spreading through the population, many of us are at risk. Disinfect your hands regularly, it’s so easy!