From Soap to Superhero: Changes that still stick with us.

Jul 2, 2024

2 min read

This morning, I took a walk with a friend, and we encountered several gates that required us to use a fingerprint reader for access. At the very first gate, my friend mentioned how much he dreads pressing his finger onto the reader.

“I know,” I replied. “You never know what germs might be lingering on that surface. Ever since COVID-19, it seems like we all feel this way.”

“Yes,” he agreed. “The pandemic has definitely changed our habits.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed our perspective on hand hygiene. Let’s delve into the key ways it has impacted our behavior:

Increased Awareness and Thoroughness:

The pandemic acted as a “moment of change” for consumer handwashing. People started washing their hands more frequently, thoroughly, and in new situations.
Participants reported washing their hands longer and with greater attention to detail, especially outside their homes.
The heightened awareness stemmed from the realization that we constantly touch surfaces, potentially exposing ourselves to the virus.

Knowledge Enhancement:

Participants became more informed about effective handwashing practices.
The consensus was that the most effective method involves using soap, warm water, and a thorough technique for approximately 20 seconds.
This knowledge was crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing disease transmission.

Social Pressure and Influence:

Social factors played a significant role in handwashing behavior.
People felt a desire to do the right thing by washing their hands correctly in public places.
Friends, family, education, and cultural background influenced handwashing practices.
Emotionally, handwashing provided comfort and reassurance, and its absence caused anxiety.

Changing Perceptions of “Safe” Spaces:

Settings that were once considered safe, such as supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and workplaces, became places where people felt increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
The pandemic blurred the lines between safe and risky environments, prompting vigilance in hand hygiene even in familiar places.

In summary, COVID-19 has altered our physical handwashing habits and also heightened our awareness of its critical role in preventing infections. The trauma of COVID-19 has fundamentally changed how many of us perceive germs and the risk of infections from surfaces. This heightened awareness and caution are likely to persist for the rest of our lives. Our children, observing our responses and behaviors, may also adopt these heightened precautions, shaping their attitudes toward hygiene and surface contact well into the future.