NPR

Coronavirus FAQs: Do Gloves HeIp? Is It Allergies Or COVID-19?

Lots of people are talking about masks. But what about gloves? Do they offer any protection? If you're still going to work, should you isolate yourself from family members when you get home?
Some people are now wearing disposable gloves with the hope of getting some protection against coronavirus pathogens. What do doctors have to say about that?

This is part of a series looking at pressing coronavirus questions of the week. We'd like to hear what you're curious about. Email us at goatsandsoda@npr.org with the subject line: "Weekly Coronavirus Questions."

Around the world, people are taking steps to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Here we ask experts questions from readers and listeners about COVID-19 and how to stay safe.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended wearing face coverings in certain settings. Do gloves offer any meaningful protection from the coronavirus?

In recent days it's become more common to see some people wearing latex gloves as they perform everyday tasks. But experts say that gloves don't make sense for most people to wear.

Using your ungloved hands – and then washing them often – is the best bet for the typical tasks of everyday life.

"Skin is really great because, hospital epidemiologist and infectious diseases specialist at University of Chicago Medicine "That means when you touch things, they sort of stay on your hands and then you can wash your hands and get rid of them."

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