Requires Authentication
Accessible
November 30, 2021
Abstract
The global community is struggling with the highly contagious COVID-19. Returning to \normal life" now poses risks, and the use of appropriate protective measures has become necessary to continue daily life and protect public health. The main protective measures to prevent transmission of COVID-19 are masks, soaps and disinfectants. Because coronavirus is a \lipid-enveloped virus", it is very sensitive to lipid-dissolving chemicals and can therefore be effectively removed by washing hands sufficiently with soap and water. However, using an alcohol-based disinfectant is a more viable option for outdoor use. Alcohol-based disinfectants are inexpensive, immediately effective, easy to use and better tolerated by the skin compared to other disinfectants. WHO recommends disinfectants containing 75% isopropanol or 80% ethanol as highly effective in inactivating the SARS-CoV-2-virus. The current review discusses the role of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHS) in preventing the spread of viruses, their side effects on human health, and suggests the use of alcohol-based sanitizers as potentially effective in combating the current epidemic.