Coronavirus in UAE: How often should you wash your jeans?

The virulent new coronavirus is spreading at an unprecedented rate across the globe. But right here, in the UAE, the numbers – 74 cases; 12 recoveries – are less daunting.

As doctors on the front-lines call for stringent measures and cities around the globe try to quarantine those infected, we asked the experts some need-to-know-but-odd questions that you might have such as: How often should you wash your jeans, especially if you are using public transport?; When should you sanitise your hands?; and is it ok to spend time with that adorable little pet of yours without worrying about spreading or contracting germs?

First up, phones and computers. Do you need to keep a disinfectant on hand? Dr Shyam Rajamohan at Prime Hospital, says “You are less likely to transmit through mobile phone as the phone is used only by one person . One should be more careful about surfaces coming in contact with multiple people.” Clean it as you would without the virus acting as a boogeyman.

Should you throw your jeans in the wash every time you wear them? “Just follow normal hygienic practices,” says Dr Rajamohan. “Ideally wash after using two or three times.”

Hand sanitizer. While it’ll kill plenty of germs, remember that sanitizer is full of spirit that can wreak havoc on your hands. Use a good moisturizer to keep things smooth. “The general rule for hand sanitizing is to use - before , during or after preparing food; caring for someone at home who is sick; treating cut wound; using toilet; changing diaper; blowing nose, coughing or sneezing; touching animal feed/ waste and pet food,” he says.

However, it’s no replacement for good ol’ soap and water.

Can we still be pet/stray friendly? Dr Rajamohan says: “What we know presently is that the virus spreads from human to human . The previous coronaviruses were known to transmit from animals to humans . The prudent thing to do would be to avoid sick animals , use standard hygienic practices when visiting live animal markets. These include washing hands with soap and water after touching animals / animal products.”