Coronavirus Alert: Will Wearing Gloves Protect You From The Deadly COVID-19?

Coronavirus, now officially known as COVID-19, has caused the death of thousands of people in various countries. Initially, it was China that felt the worst blow; however, as the days passed, the country was slowly able to contain the spread of the virus. In fact, recent reports showed that other countries are now showing an increasing number of coronavirus patients.

In the U.S., it was reported that 9 have already died. In the UK, the number has likewise increased. As per the cumulation of reports, the total number of infected persons all over the world is approaching the 100,000 mark, a figure that is truly bothersome. This ongoing spread of the virus has gotten people to find ways and means to protect themselves.

The most common accessory that people wore in response to coronavirus was a mask. Some would wear gloves. So will the latter also protect them from the deadly virus?

Aerosol Capability

Coronavirus has achieved an "aerosol" transmission. This means that the virus can spread to others via water droplets. A person can get infected when the water droplets get trapped in the mucus membranes of people, or they are breathed in.

The most common form of contracting the virus is when a person touches a contaminated surface and would bring his or her hands to his face. Many people would attempt to protect themselves by wearing masks. However, since this does not cover the eyes, it still leaves an avenue for the virus to enter the body.

Others would wear gloves in order to protect themselves. Although this is viable, it does not render anybody fully-protected. The Public Health England (PHE) does not even recommend that people would wear gloves or face mask while the virus is still circulating among individuals. What the health body recommends is to practice good personal hygiene. As per PHE, these coverings often lead to a false sense of security.

What you can do is to wash your hands properly using soap and water. In cases when water and soap are not available, you could also use hand sanitizers, but not too much of it.

Government's Recommendation

The government body advises to make use of gloves or face covering if they are living with a person suspected to be infected by the coronavirus. They also advise in keeping surfaces that are commonly touched to be always cleaned.