Researchers worldwide are in a rush to find a vaccine to redeem the world from the hands of COVID 19
Amidst that, there are a few things that we could do to keep away from coronavirus. Social distancing, facial masks, and handwashing are the 3 essential notions recommended to fight off the virus. So how exactly does soap kills the virus???
CORONA VIRUS – STRUCTURE
To know the exact mechanism of soap on the virus, let’s look into its structure. The SARS-CoV-2 particles are spherical in shape and have proteins called spikes protruding from their surface like other coronaviruses. These spikes attach to the host cell, undergo structural change allowing the viral membrane to fuse with the host cell membrane, the viral genes then enter the host cell gets copied, produce more viruses, and thereby infect the host.
EFFECT OF SOAP
The best way to prevent coronavirus is by washing the hands, but why is it so important to wash our hands??? let it be a regular soap, beauty soap, perfumed soap, or antibacterial soap, just any soap wholly obliterates viruses like the coronavirus.
The structure of coronavirus explains that it is surrounded by a coating of proteins (spikes) and fat. This layer of fat on the surface of the virus makes it like a drop of oil, which easily sticks to our hands and is not destroyed by just washing our hands with water because when washing with just water, it gushes right over the virus. This is similar to how a drop of oil will behave in the water, but a little soap can bring a great change
Soap is having two-sided molecules, a hydrophobic end and a hydrophilic end i.e. one side is attracted to water and the other side to fat.
When the virus particles interact with the soap molecule, the fat that holds everything together is pulled apart and annihilates the virus, then the innocuous remnant particles are rinsed with water and drained.
Obviously, it takes time for this to happen, that is why it is recommended to wash our hands for at least 20 seconds so as to kill the virus effectively.
Washing our hands regularly at any time is a good practice to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Very informative..keep going dear 👌
Informative and very much relatable to the current scenario