Last week saw the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ireland leading to widespread panic about the spread of the bug - not helped by confusing mixed messages coming from the HSE today.
The global COVID-19 outbreak has led to a surge in hand sanitiser sales worldwide, with many shops even limiting the amount customers can buy.
Now, a germ expert has revealed how to make your own hand sanitiser - and it’s surprising easy.
Speaking to Business Insider , Professor Miryam Wahrman, a germ expert at William Paterson University in New York, explained that all you really need is a solution containing 60% alcohol - whether it’s rubbing alcohol or the drinkable variety.
She said: “The bottom line is that alcohol is the active ingredient. If you drop below 60%, the effectiveness drops dramatically.”
To make sure the solution isn’t too harsh on your skin, Professor Wahrman advises adding a few drops of aloe vera, or moisturising straight after using it.
However, unless you’re out and about, the best way to keep your hands clean is using hot water and soap, according to Dr Babak Ashrafi, a doctor with Zava.
Speaking to Mirror Online's Shivali Best, he said: “The primary advice is using soap and water to wash your hands - that’s the best way to get rid of bacteria.
"Hand sanitiser isn’t as good, but is better than nothing, especially if you’ve been out in public.”
However, Dr Ashrafi added that using too much hand sanitiser is never a good idea.
He explained: “Some people can get severe drying, which can lead to cracking. Cracks could potentially increase your risk of coronavirus. If you have access to soap and water that’s much better.”
