Infection-Control Expert Elaine Larson on Handwashing and other Prevention Tips

While information about COVID-19 continues to evolve, public health experts, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), recommend everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of disease, including handwashing and using hand sanitizer frequently and thoroughly. Elaine Larson, PhD, Professor Emerita and infection-control expert, was recently interviewed by several news sources, including NBC.com, about good handwashing practices, and how and when to use hand sanitizer as a prevention tool. “At home, you don’t need the antibacterial soap found in hospitals,” Larson said, “or the fanciest, most expensive option.” She adds, “Plain soap gets the job done, and when you can’t wash your hands, hand sanitizers, whether commercial or homemade, make sense if used in moderation.”

Public experts also recommend these practical prevention tips:

• Avoid touching your face.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with cleaning sprays or wipes.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Greet each other by bumping elbows instead of shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
• Avoid sharing food and drinks.

Columbia’s COVID-19 Guidance for Columbia University website provides updated information about the coronavirus outbreak, including campus resources, and recent updates from the CDC.

To read recent interviews with Larson on handwashing, follow the links below.

NBC TODAY Show: Is DIY Hand Sanitizer Safe? Experts Discuss

The Atlantic: The Small Stresses of Keeping Coronavirus-Free. Why is it so, so hard to stop touching your face?

Washington Post: Why You Don’t Need to Splurge on a Pricey Hand Soap