Do Gloves Protect You from Coronavirus? The Facts Unpacked

When it comes to protecting against coronavirus, the focus is often on the use of face masks. However, the role of gloves in disease prevention is equally crucial. This article delves into how gloves can shield you from the coronavirus, the benefits of wearing gloves, and the appropriate usage of various types of gloves for maximum protection.

Wearing Gloves Reduces Impulsive Touching

One of the key benefits of wearing gloves is the inhibition of impulsive hand movements. Take the example of sitting in a public location and suddenly wanting to rub your eyes. If gloves are on, your brain reminds you of the reason you put them on, which is to protect against the coronavirus. This reflexively stops you from touching your face and accessing your mucous membranes where the virus can enter the body.

Reducing Direct Surface Contact

When in public spaces, gloves can significantly minimize the risk of picking up germs from public surfaces like door handles, buttons, and more. You can touch numerous objects, put on the gloves, and then discard them once you return to a private space. Hand washing or sanitizing remains essential, but gloves create a temporary barrier, reducing the time and frequency of direct contact with contaminated surfaces.

The Significance of Gloves During the Second Wave

As the second wave of the coronavirus hits many regions, with an average of 400,000 new cases daily, wearing gloves becomes even more critical. Hands are bound to touch a multitude of surfaces, some of which may have been touched by asymptomatic Covid-19 patients. These surfaces can harbor the virus, leading to the contamination of your hands, which can then spread the virus to your face, particularly through the nose and mouth.

Understanding Different Types of Gloves

Today, there are many varieties of gloves available for different purposes, each with its unique features and applications. Here’s a brief overview:

Polyethylene Gloves: Suitable for light-duty tasks like handling food. They are thin and offer minimal protection but are easy to use. Neoprene Gloves: Designed for wet handling and higher-risk tasks. They are thick and durable, making them suitable for tasks that require extended wear. Vinyl Gloves: Ideal for food handling and janitorial work. They offer basic protection and are easy to remove. Nitrile Gloves: Available in various thicknesses, they are multipurpose and highly resistant to chemicals. Nitrile is a popular choice among healthcare professionals due to its durability and fit. Latex Gloves: Naturally flexible and comfortable, they are excellent for medical use and examination. However, they can cause allergic reactions in some individuals due to the natural rubber protein content.

Prudent Usage and Wider Impact

Though the government and healthcare authorities emphasize the use of face masks, it is imperative to understand the role of gloves. According to the health ministry, vendors, shop attendants, and counter-sales staff were advised to wear gloves, though their implementation has been inconsistent. Moreover, healthcare professionals and medical personnel need to possess disposable gloves as a standard part of their protective gear.

It is now advised that everyone, including healthcare professionals and individuals in the household, should keep a box of gloves. This ensures that daily activities, whether cleaning the house, gardening, or handling food, are performed with an added layer of protection against infection.

Conclusion

While face masks have become a staple of daily life, gloves are equally important in the fight against coronavirus. By wearing gloves, you can prevent the transfer of viruses from contaminated surfaces and reduce the risk of contracting the coronavirus via the hands. Let's embrace this simple yet effective measure to protect ourselves and our loved ones.