Last night after reading an article about the importance of hand washing, and having a hand sanitizer available when you can't wash, I thought it might be wise to pick up a bottle for in the car. I'm pretty good about hand washing, it's the touching the nose, mouth or eyes inadvertently after an accidental exposure that are my possible concern. Looks as though I'm not the only one... Winco, Walmart Neighborhood Market, Market of Choice, BiMart and the north Safeway in Corvallis were all out of hand sanitizers with an alcohol base. I did pick up a small bottle this morning after the shelves were restocked.
From what I've read, for times you can't wash your hands with soap and water, they're recommending a hand sanitizer with 60-70% by volume ethyl alcohol to be effective in stopping the virus. If you decide to pick some up and the stores are out there is another option... DIY it. Apparently you can just mix isopropyl alcohol and aloe vera gel, one part aloe vera gel to two parts of rubbing alcohol and you'll end up with the necessary alcohol while the aloe vera protects your skin from damage from the alcohol. Do a little googling, there's a bunch of recipes, just note that the ones that recommend vodka or less than a two to one mix of alcohol to aloe might not be strong enough to do the job.
Note: I'm not trying to panic anyone, and I'm not panicky about this threat, it's not ebola (which kills 4 in 10 that get it). As of last night there are 6 deaths in the country from this virus while it is estimated that 18,000+ have died in the US from the flu so far this flu season (61,000 died two flu seasons back). People seem to be much much more aware of this threat, and that's a good thing, because it could potentially get very bad if it gets out of control as it is more lethal than the common flu. Hopefully with everyone taking precautions breakouts will be somewhat limited.
Stay healthy!
Steve
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