While there are a number of labs and scientists out there looking to find a "cure" for the coronavirus that has literally spread to over 100,000 people as of this week, there are some items in your home that can fight off the virus. You probably have them right in your kitchen cabinet.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that for "disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective in killing off the disease."
The CDC also mentioned another list with EPA-approved "emerging viral pathogens claims" from the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries.
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Many of the same products from the EPA list also are on the list.
According to the EPA, products on the list have "qualified for use against COVID-19" through the agency's Emerging Viral Pathogen program where manufacturers provide the EPA with data that "shows their products are effective against harder-to-kill viruses."
The EPA says consumers should follow the directions and pay "close attention to the contact time for the product on the treated surface."
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The agency notes there may be additional disinfectants that meet the criteria that could be added to the list.
But here are some of the registered disinfectants on the EPA’s list.
Clorox Disinfecting Wipes
Clorox Commercial Solutions
Clorox Disinfecting Spray
Clorox Multi-Surface Cleaner + Bleach
Klercide 70/30
Lonza Formulation
Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner
Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist
Lysol Heavy-Duty Cleaner Disinfectant Concentrate
Oxycide Daily Disinfectant Cleaner
Peak Disinfectant Wipes
Peroxide Multi-Surface Cleaner and Disinfectant
Peroxide Disinfectant and Glass Cleaner
Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes
Sani-Prime Germicidal Disposable Wipe
Sani-Prime Germicidal Spray
Find the full list here.
The American Chemistry Council's Center for Biocide Chemistries posted a list of disinfectants referred to... as "fighting products" at Americanchemistry.com, which the website said were pre-approved by the EPA and "for use against emerging enveloped viral pathogens and can be used during the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak."
The website said it was providing the information as a "public service," but notes the list is "not exhaustive" but can be used to "identify products suitable for use against COVID-19."
If you find yourself having to travel, there are a few precautions you can take to fight off the coronavirus.
The World Health Organization issued some recommendations to travelers during this coronavirus outbreak.
They say travelers who are sick should delay travel and everyone should avoid travel to affected areas, particularly, elderly travelers and people with chronic diseases or underlying health conditions.
General recommendations for personal hygiene, cough etiquette, and keeping a distance of at least 3 to 4 feet from persons showing symptoms remain particularly important for all travelers.
These include:
- Perform hand hygiene frequently, particularly after contact with respiratory secretions. Hand hygiene includes either cleaning hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand rub.
Alcohol-based hand rubs are preferred if hands are not visibly soiled; wash hands with soap and water when they are visibly soiled.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or paper tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing immediately of the tissue and performing hand hygiene.
- Refrain from touching mouth and nose.
- A medical mask. When wearing mask, it is critical to follow best practices on how to wear, remove and dispose of them, and remember hand hygiene before removing the mask.
As for any travel, travelers are also advised to follow proper food hygiene practices, including the five keys for food safety, as well as recommendations to reduce the risk of transmission of emerging pathogens from animals to human in live markets.
