A member asked:

How coronavirus spread by handshake, brief explanation? lets say i washed my hand before handshake, is there still any risk?

9 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Dr. Hunter Handsfield answered

Specializes in Infectious Disease

Hand washing: If someone has coronavirus (or influenza or a common cold), s/he may have virus on hands after touching their nose or face. Your hand picks up the virus when hand shaking, then you touch your own face, mouth, eyes, etc. (Most people touch their faces several times an hour, often without realizing it.) Washing before handshake makes no difference; wash (or hand sanitizer) afterward, not before.

Answered 4/20/2023

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Dr. Heidi Fowler answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

A/W Dr. Handsfield: If you have germs on your hands & wash them well - it will help to protect the person whom you shake hands with. However, it will not protect you from getting the virus off of some one else's hands. Washing your hands thoroughly is very important. Try to avoid touching your mouth, nose or face if possible - as these are portals for entry for viruses if your hands are contaminated.

Answered 3/22/2020

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Dr. Ernesto Pretto jr. answered

Specializes in Anesthesiology

No Handshake: Its safer to avoid shaking hands altogether.

Answered 3/16/2020

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