Many will keep precautions after a pandemic

MONDAY, February 8, 2021 (HealthDay News) – Wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and avoiding large crowds may not have been part of American culture before the Corona virus The pandemic has started, but these habits are likely to persist for some time, new research shows.

A nationwide survey from Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University of more than 2,000 Americans shows that a majority of people don’t plan to revert to their old ways anytime soon.

The survey found that 9 in 10 Americans will continue to use hand washing and sanitizer frequently after COVID-19, while 4 in 5 will still avoid crowds. Almost three-quarters of respondents said they plan to continue wearing masks in public.

“While the progress we are making towards recovery is exciting, it is critical not to relax the precautions that we know have worked so far,” said Dr Iahn Gonsenhauser, lead investigator, Head of Quality and Patient Safety at Wexner Medical Center.

“Masks and physical distance are still our best weapons in limiting the spread, and now that we have a vaccine it will make these precautions even more effective and reduce new cases if we stay the course, ”he said in a university press release.

These behaviors can help relieve the anxiety on returning to public spaces and giving a sense of control, the researchers said. Certain societal changes forced by the pandemic can also continue, including telehealth for medical appointments and working from home.

Gonsenhauser highlighted this year influenza season as evidence of the effectiveness of behaviors such as hand washing, social distancing and wear a mask.

“Flu cases and hospitalizations are down from the last few years, and that’s probably due in large part to the fact that precautions such as masking, physical distancing, and hand hygiene absolutely work for the flu. “said Gonsenhauser. “I think a lot of people are realizing that what we have learned from COVID-19 can be applied more generally to keep our population healthy.”

More information

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers advice for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SOURCE: Ohio State University, press release, February 8, 2021