During the pandemic, wearing masks and frequent handwashing became daily habits. But as workplaces reopen, many office workers have questions: Can hair carry viruses after going out? Should you wash your hair after every outing? Can shoe soles carry viruses? How should you protect yourself when driving? Let's hear what disease control experts have to say.
Can hair carry viruses after daily outings? Should you wash your hair after every outing?
Feng Luchao, a researcher at the Chinese CDC, stated that generally, the public does not need to specifically wash or disinfect their hair after returning home. Current research indicates viruses are sensitive to external environmental factors like ultraviolet light and heat. Outdoors, the likelihood of hair coming into contact with high concentrations of active viral droplets is extremely low. Maintaining regular hair cleanliness is sufficient.
Can clothes carry viruses after going out? Can alcohol be sprayed directly for disinfection?
Feng Luzhao believes the probability of infection through contaminated clothing is extremely low. Unless you've visited specific locations—such as hospitals to see patients or come into contact with individuals exhibiting suspicious symptoms—special disinfection of clothing is unnecessary.
Additionally, while alcohol does not corrode ordinary fabrics, it is a Class A flammable substance. Spraying it on clothing poses a fire risk if exposed to open flames, high temperatures, or static electricity. Spraying alcohol on clothes is not recommended.
The Chengdu CDC also states that outerwear generally does not require disinfection. Upon returning home, hang coats near the entrance or on a balcony for ventilation. If possible, air them in sunlight. Routine disinfection of outerwear is unnecessary in daily life.
If outerwear may have been contaminated—such as after visiting a hospital, seeing a patient, or interacting with someone exhibiting suspicious symptoms—it should be cleaned and disinfected.If the fabric can withstand high temperatures, wash it in a washing machine with water above 56°C (134°F) for at least 30 minutes. Households with dryers should set the temperature above 80°C (176°F) after washing. For fabrics that cannot tolerate high heat, use commercially available antibacterial laundry detergent.
Can viruses be carried on shoe soles when returning home? Should phones be disinfected?
The Chengdu CDC states that routine shoe sole disinfection is unnecessary. After droplets settle, the likelihood and quantity of virus contamination on shoe soles is minimal. Unless contamination is confirmed, daily disinfection of shoe soles is not required; simply change shoes at the door.
During the pandemic, phones should be disinfected regularly. Turn off the phone, then wipe all surfaces with a 75% medical alcohol cotton ball or disinfectant wipe. Allow to air dry.
Keys have limited exposure risk. Clean them with water if soiled; if necessary, disinfect with wipes or 75% medical alcohol.
How should one protect themselves while driving?
Feng Luchao advises ensuring adequate ventilation while maintaining warmth to avoid catching a cold from temperature differences.Additionally, follow these precautions:
Keep protective supplies like masks, hand sanitizer, or disinfectant wipes in your vehicle. Sanitize hands immediately after returning from public spaces.
If a passenger with suspected symptoms rides in your private vehicle, open windows for ventilation. Disinfect surfaces they touched, such as door handles, seats, and steering wheels.
If a suspected or confirmed case has ridden in the vehicle, promptly disinfect the interior—including surfaces and the air conditioning system—under professional guidance. Other passengers should undergo quarantine and medical observation as required;
Taxis must be cleaned and disinfected daily before passenger service. Vehicles should carry protective items like masks and disinfectant wipes;Drivers should increase cleaning and disinfection frequency for high-touch areas like door handles, steering wheels, and interior grab handles, while maintaining hand hygiene;
Minimize use of in-car air conditioning. Drivers must wear masks throughout the journey and remind passengers to do the same, minimizing conversation;
Both drivers and passengers should cover their mouths and noses with tissues when sneezing.