COVID-19 Highlights the Role of Clean Water in Public Health
Inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water are usually linked to more widespread transmission of various diseases, including dysentery, diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid. It can put entire households and communities at risk of highly preventable health risks. Unfortunately, about three billion people, or an estimated 40% of the global population, lack access to running water and basic hand-washing facilities at home.
For individuals who don't have ready access to clean and safe drinking water, maintaining proper hydration and personal hygiene during the COVID-19 outbreak can be difficult.
The importance of clean and affordable water during the pandemic is undeniable. There's no better time than now to ensure that your family has access to clean drinking water at home.
Here are the ways in which clean water can help us reduce the spread of disease and remain healthy:
Frequent hand-washing
During an outbreak, health experts recommend frequent hand-washing with soap for at least 20 seconds to prevent or minimise the spread of disease. This can help you avoid becoming infected if you get the virus on your hands. It is advisable to wash your hands before touching your face, after you blow your nose, cough, or sneeze, and after you've had close physical contact with someone who has symptoms.
If you don't have access to soap and running water, experts recommend using hand sanitiser. Bring one with you when you're out hiking, jogging, or running errands just to be on the safe side.
Regular cleaning and home disinfection
According to health authorities, using a regular household cleaner with gentle soap or detergent is effective at reducing the amount of germs and virus particles on contaminated surfaces and helps decrease the risk of infection.
If someone in your home is sick, or if an individual with COVID-19 was in your home within the last 24 hours, disinfection can also help reduce COVID-19 transmission in addition to physical distancing, isolation, and frequent hand-washing.
Experts also advise cleaning frequently touched surfaces like countertops, light switches, door knobs, and taps as often as possible. It is also recommended to give these areas some quick cleaning right after receiving visitors in your home.
Proper hydration
The immune system is dependent on nutrients in the bloodstream, which is made mostly of water. Proper hydration helps the body to better transport nutrients to each organ system. It also plays a role in the body's detoxification pathways, particularly when it comes to lymphatic drainage and clearing out foreign invaders and waste materials.
Dehydration, on the other hand, can contribute to headaches, muscle tension, digestive issues, and more.
Current Australian dietary guidelines don't make a specific recommendation for daily fluid intake, though the guidelines encourage Aussies to drink plenty of water and to choose clear water over soft drinks and juice as much as possible.
Nutrient Reference Values advise adult men to consume 2.6 litres (about 10 cups) of water per day, and adult women, 2.1 litres (about eight cups) per day.
But generally speaking, the amount of fluid your body needs to fulfill basic functions each day depends on your age, activity level, environment, height and weight, and whether you're pregnant or breastfeeding. If you consume caffeine and alcohol regularly, you'll likely need more water as well.
Health experts say that 35 millilitres of fluid per kilogram of bodyweight is a good guide to follow.
Make sure you have access to clean drinking water at all times with a water filtration system, which offers a cost-effective way of keeping your drinking water clear of debris and other contaminants.
Waters Co carries a wide range of personal jugs and countertop filters to help you stay healthy and hydrated. Browse our store today for water filtration systems and replacement parts.