Soap vs Hand Sanitizer

That you need to wash your hands to help prevent the spread of the virus.

However, a lot of people are flocking to the stores to get any type of hand sanitizer.

And while some hand sanitizers are good at preventing germs, the cdc says washing your hands with soap is still better?

Why?

While hand sanitizer can remove the germs on your skin, handwashing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds actually kills the germs, and also removes any dirt, debris, and spores that could make you sick.

Hand sanitizers can't kill some viruses, including the norovirus and some parasites.

If you can't wash your hands and need to use hand sanitizer, make sure you're using the right one.

There are a million different kinds of hand sanitizer on the market, but doctors say the best one at keeping you healthy is hand sanitizer with around 62 to 70 percent ethyl alcohol.

And make sure you got enough hand sanitizer that it takes your hands at least 15 to 20 seconds for them to dry.

So let's say you do catch covid- 19.

Now what?

Well, right now there isn't a vaccine against getting the virus, and antibiotics are ineffective because it's a viral infection, not bacterial.

The most common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

And depending on how severe your symptoms are, you may have to be taken to a hospital.

However, almost 80 percent of cases of the virus have been treated with home health care.

So, if you're generally healthy and your symptoms are mild, your doctor will likely advise your to isolate yourself at home, limit your contact with others, and take care of yourself by resting, staying hydrated, and keep monitoring your symptoms. however, if you're older and have any underlying health conditions, be sure to contact your doctor as soon as you notice any symptoms. and, if your symptoms worsen with home care, call your doctor or local hospital immediately, tell them you're coming in, and wear a face mask once you leave home.

And as a reminder - the mississippi department of health is ready to answer any questions you might have about the coronavirus in the state.

The department launched the mississippi covid-19 hotline... and a new phone app to help with coronavirus preparation.

The covid-19 hotline is open from 8 a.m.

To 5 p.m., monday through friday at 1-877-978-64-53.

So many of you -- like us-- have a lot of questions concerning covid-19.

Next wednesday, wtva will host a town hall to answer your questions about the virus.

We invited some doctors to explain why this illness is different than most -- and the efforts to stop the spread.

If there is anything you want to ask... just message us... with your question.... on our wtva nine news facebook page.