Gloves have been in the spotlight over the last year due to the pandemic of COVID-19.
Yet, while they can be extremely effective and work as protective equipment in certain specific settings, they can also turn out to be counter-effective in other situations.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you better understand when you should use your gloves and when they aren't necessary.
Cleaning and Disinfecting your Home
When you’re cleaning or disinfecting your house, you should always wear gloves. Indeed, as you’re cleaning your home, you’ll inevitably come into contact with thousands of germs. Yes, even if you can’t see them and you feel like your home is clean, they’re everywhere!
In fact, a study found that there are over 9,000 species of fungus, bacteria, and microbes in an average household. Wearing disposable gloves will prevent germs from depositing on your hands and under your nails.
A word of advice though, make sure not to touch your face or phone to avoid cross-contamination. And remember to always wash your hands after you remove the gloves.
Caring for Someone Who is Sick
If you’re sharing a place with someone who has coronavirus or any other virus, you should always wear disposable gloves when touching surfaces and household items they might have been in contact with.
In a home setting, gloves can be effective as personal protective equipment. And don’t forget to wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds after removing them. If they’re disposable gloves, place them in a bin immediately.
Follow the Example of a Healthcare worker
As healthcare workers, they are often in contact with stool, blood, and other bodily fluids. You should always wear medical gloves (or examination gloves) in such situations. If you’ve ever been hospitalized, you’ll notice that nurses are always wearing gloves when handling you.
But make sure to thoroughly wash your hands after removing the gloves.
Remember to Follow Safety Protocols Even If You Are Wearing Gloves
While it’s absolutely fine to wear disposable gloves when grocery shopping, you should still observe strict protocols.
Avoid touching your phone, or rubbing your face after touching surfaces. That’s because germs will spread from these surfaces onto your face or personal belongings. Remember gloves are not a shield against viruses. They can still carry germs the same way your hands do
Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of viruses and germs and protect yourself and others. As a result, regardless of whether you’re wearing gloves or not, whenever you go grocery shopping or touch any surface, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands.
Effective hand washing involves washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Better yet, always carry a hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol and use it after touching surfaces.
Hand hygiene, social distancing, and face coverings should be your top priority when it comes to protecting your health against coronavirus or germs in general.
Gloves keep regular individuals safe but make sure you have the right gloves. Check out NOVID’s Nitrile Powder Free Examination Gloves and get a box of nitrile gloves today to keep you and your family protected.