Spraying Disinfectant on the Body: Is It Safe and Effective To Prevent COVID-19?

Not a few people believe that spraying disinfectant all over the body can prevent the transmission of the Corona virus. In fact, quite a lot of people do this at home. However, is this method effective and safe to do?

Now, there are many disinfectant booths in several crowded centers. This cubicle was built to spray disinfectant liquid throughout the body in the hope of preventing the spread of the Corona virus.

However, recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indonesian Ministry of Health warned of the dangers of spraying disinfectants directly on the body.

The Danger Behind Spraying Disinfectant to the Body

Disinfectant is a liquid that is used to eradicate bacteria, viruses, and fungi found on the surface of objects.

Generally, disinfectants are made from a mixture of alcohol and chlorine. However, many disinfectants are added with other compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide, iodine, phenol, and quaternary ammonium.

There is no doubt about the ability of disinfectants to kill microorganisms. However, if sprayed directly on the human body, disinfectants can actually have a negative impact on health, you know.

Exposure to chemicals in disinfectants can cause irritation or allergies to the skin, especially if this exposure occurs continuously. When exposed to the eye, the cornea can be injured and may be permanently damaged.

Disinfectant spray that is sprayed on the body can also be inhaled and irritate the respiratory system. This can cause a number of respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis, chronic asthma, to pulmonary edema, even in people who previously had no respiratory complaints at all.

In addition, spraying disinfectants also cannot kill viruses in the body. In other words, a COVID-19 positive patient who is sprayed with disinfectant can still transmit the virus through splashes of saliva when he coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Proper Use of Disinfectants to Prevent Corona Virus

Disinfectants can still prevent the spread of the Corona virus effectively when used properly, namely by spraying them on the surface of objects, not directly on the body.

You can use a disinfectant to clean frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, cell phones, tables, TV remotes, or sink faucets.

When cleaning the house or disinfecting objects, don't forget to wear gloves to protect your skin from chemical exposure. Also make sure how to use the disinfectant liquid on the surface of the object according to the instructions recommended on the product packaging label, yes.

Meanwhile, to clean the body from possible exposure to the Corona virus, the most effective and safe way is to wash your hands regularly and take a shower 2 times a day or immediately after traveling from outside the house.

In addition, to reduce the risk of being infected with the Corona virus, increase body resistance by eating nutritious food and exercising regularly physical distancing, and limit traveling outside the house when there is no essential need.

If you experience symptoms of Corona virus infection, especially if in the last 2 weeks you have been in a COVID-19 endemic area or in close contact with a COVID-19 patient, immediately self-isolate and contact hotline COVID-19 at 119 Ext. 9 for further directions.

You can also find out how much risk you are infected with the Corona virus through the check feature for the risk of contracting the Corona virus which is provided free of charge by Alodokter.

If you still have questions about the use of disinfectants or steps to prevent the Corona virus, don't hesitate to contact us chat doctor directly in the Alodokter application. In this application, you can also make a consultation appointment with a doctor at a hospital.