As the pandemic stretches into 2021, it remains vital for healthcare professionals to adhere to the best practices for safeguarding themselves and their loved ones. Over the past year, there has been a flood of information about personal protective equipment (PPE), making it essential to discern fact from fiction—especially when it comes to wearing protective gloves.
Gloves serve as a crucial tool in combating infections, including COVID-19. Staying informed about proper glove usage is key to staying safe. This post will explore when to wear gloves and how to select the best medical gloves to protect yourself during the ongoing pandemic.
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**The Importance of Gloves in Public Health**
According to the CDC, gloves are an indispensable component of infection control, particularly amid the rise of COVID-19. Using the appropriate gloves for specific scenarios is critical to protect both yourself and others from contamination.
So, how exactly do gloves function in public health? Gloves act as a barrier, shielding you from viruses that might linger on contaminated surfaces. Always don gloves when caring for someone who is ill or handling objects that may have come into contact with an infected person. While gloves help prevent you from contracting the virus from surfaces, they also minimize the risk of transmitting the virus to others. However, gloves are not a substitute for thorough handwashing. Combining glove use with regular hand hygiene significantly lowers your chances of infection and transmission.
For those working in infection prevention, your responsibility involves ensuring that healthcare providers, patients, and the broader community remain as safe as possible during this challenging time. As the pandemic persists, it’s imperative to utilize the correct gloves to curb the spread of the virus.
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**Crafting a Glove Strategy Amidst COVID-19**
To effectively reduce the spread of the virus, it’s essential to establish a solid glove-use plan. One proactive step is to anticipate potential outbreaks by preparing based on infection rates and emerging variants. Stockpile enough protective gloves to slow the progression of outbreaks. Don’t wait until an outbreak occurs to secure supplies—stay informed about local case numbers and be prepared.
Equally important is choosing the right gloves to combat COVID-19. Latex and nitrile gloves are widely recommended for their ease of use, protective qualities, and cost-effectiveness for healthcare workers. Additionally, consult resources such as the OSHA PPE guide or our previous blog, *Find the Perfect Fit: Which Disposable Glove is Right for You?* for guidance.
Beyond selecting the appropriate gloves, it’s crucial to understand when to wear them and when to avoid them. Wear gloves when physically interacting with potentially infected individuals or surfaces. If you maintain social distancing and avoid touching shared surfaces, regular handwashing is likely sufficient.
Proper handwashing is a cornerstone of safety during the pandemic. Even if you wore gloves while interacting with others or touching high-touch surfaces, you should still wash your hands thoroughly. Wash your hands before and after putting on, removing, and disposing of gloves. Also, wash your hands after leaving a public space or touching commonly used surfaces.
Here’s the recommended handwashing process from the CDC:
1. Wet your hands with warm or cold running water.
2. Apply soap and scrub all surfaces of your hands, including under your nails and between your fingers.
3. Scrub for at least 20 seconds—this step is vital and often overlooked.
4. Rinse off the soap.
5. Dry your hands with a clean towel or air dryer.
If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, though soap and water are preferable.
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**Stay Protected with Ventyv®**
Using gloves correctly and maintaining good hand hygiene can significantly lower your risk of contracting and spreading infections, including COVID-19. To prepare for surges in cases and outbreaks, ensure you always have the right gloves on hand.
At Ventyv®, we’re committed to providing top-quality protective gloves and educating you on their proper use. Sign up for our blog updates to learn more about glove safety and staying protected during the pandemic.
*Subscribe today and stay ahead of the curve.*
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