According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the coronaviurs are transmitted according to the current state of knowledge “above all via respiratory secretions, primarily droplets, for example when coughing and sneezing, as well as certain medical or dental measures that are associated with aerosol formation”.
Whether in the supermarket or on a walk: More and more people are putting on disposable gloves to protect themselves against an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
But according to experts, “bare” hands are actually more hygienic – provided they are washed thoroughly on a regular basis.
In the meantime, the wearing of mouth-nose protection in public transport and mostly also when shopping has been made compulsory throughout Germany.
However, more and more people can now be seen who not only protect themselves against the corona virus with a mask, but also wear gloves.
But does that really make sense?
Corona protection? Disposable gloves are a spinner
According to the experts, indirect transmission should also be considered, for example via hands or contaminated surfaces in the clinical setting.
Therefore, some people use disposable gloves to protect themselves against corona viruses.
But how useful is this measure?
The R + V Infocenter issued a message on World Hand Hygiene Day (5th
May) that disposable gloves made of latex or rubber, unlike regular, thorough hand washing, do not help to reduce the risk of infection with corona viruses.
Transmission by droplet infection
“Many people feel better right now when their hands are covered.
But when you touch things with gloves, you distribute the viruses to a greater extent than without, ”explains Friederike Kaiser, consultant doctor at R + V Krankenversicherung.
“It is also dangerous, for example, if the wearers touch their faces with gloves.
“
Because pathogens such as viruses and bacteria adhere better to the skin than to plastics.
As a result, they give off the gloves to a significantly larger extent.
In addition, the gloves may only be worn for a short period so that they offer protection.
The R + V information center has other tips:
“However, their primary concern is protection against pathogens that are transmitted through blood, for example HIV.
Corona viruses are not transmitted directly via the hands, but only through contact with mucous membranes.
They can also be easily removed from the hands with soap and water.
“
For this reason, for example, paramedics always put on a new pair of gloves before they come into contact with a new patient – and then dispose of them immediately.
“Firstly, the skin swells up due to sweating and becomes more susceptible to germs.
On the other hand, the gloves become porous and therefore permeable.
The carriers, on the other hand, often behave as if they are safe, ”says Kaiser.
Tekk.tv health
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