People around the world are changing their habits to reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus ( Covid19 ) and prevent it from spreading, among them is the way to greet people.
A kiss on the cheek is the most common form of greeting between friends and acquaintances. The routine can also include a handshake, a hug or all of the above, depending on gender, level of familiarity, among others.
However, a kiss can transmit not only love, but also viruses, and the habit right now, of contagion by coronavirus, puts people at risk.
Therefore, the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) through a statement and social networks has shared effective strategies to take to prevent infections.
In that sense, the Institute recalled that Covid-19 is transmitted by saliva or mucus. Based on this, he urged Mexicans to avoid greeting by hand, with a hug or kiss.
“WITH A HELLO IS ENOUGH, ” HE SAID.
Why this measure?
The importance of avoiding hand salutation or kissing as well as frequent hand washing responds to the fact that the virus is present in saliva drops and respiratory secretions of patients, so when we touch our face, mouth, nose and eyes or when sneezing and coughing, without using the correct technique , hands , surfaces and objects are contaminated , which becomes a mode of transmission.
It is important to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Finally, several medical institutions advise not to greet, not only because of coronavirus, but every time we have a rampant respiratory infection.
Important to wash your hands
Hands should be washed constantly for at least 20 seconds. At what time?
- Before eating
- After going to the bathroom
- After blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
If the use of soap and water is not possible, IMSS recommends cleaning your hands with antibacterial gel that has at least 60 percent alcohol.
In a sign of the times, German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer rejected Chancellor Angela Merkel’s attempt to shake her hand on Monday, smiling and holding both hands to himself.
They both laughed and Merkel raised her hand in the air before taking a seat.