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A 33-year-old male asked:
Will using water remove covid-19 if no soap is available?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Hunter Handsfieldanswered
Infectious Disease 55 years experience
Probably, yes. Coronaviruses are very fragile, and vigorous washing or rinsing with water alone probably is very protective. Alternatively if no soap is available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Reviewed Mar 21, 2021

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
Psychiatry 27 years experience
If that is all that is available - would use that with vigorous friction with both washing and drying. However, this is not optimum. The combination of soap plus water will actually remove the virus from skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Answered Mar 20, 2021
Last updated Mar 21, 2021
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