Hugs and kisses are the typical physical gestures people use to show affection towards their loved ones. Likewise, handshakes are also used to convey agreement or to exchange pleasantries with one another. However, the pandemic has banned physical contact leading people to use their elbows to greet each other and show affection.
People are always told to keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters or 5 feet when outside of their homes, which means hugs are strictly prohibited. Many people have gone months without touching or hugging another person to avoid contracting the deadly disease.
But if that is the case, how can people show affection now in a safe way?
Significance Of Human Contact
According to NewScientist, a new study revealed that 60% of people in the US are feeling touch-deprived during the first months of lockdown even though only one-fifth of the participants lived alone.
Those who reported being touch-deprived scored higher on scales measuring anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep-related disorders, and post-traumatic issues. Although more common to people living alone, people who also live with their family or friends could still experience this emotion.
Moreover, another study in the US also suggests that those who frequently give and receive hugs, kisses, or met up with loved ones even during lockdown are 26% less likely to have symptoms of depression and 28% less likely to experience loneliness. However, video chats did not show the same benefits.
Indeed touch deprivation has become one of the many consequences of the pandemic. People not only miss out on the positive emotions brought by showing affection but also the physiological benefits it can give the body.
Experts suggest giving hugs wisely like not hugging people who are not a member of your household, avoiding face-to-face contact by wearing coverings, by facing the opposite directions, and by not touching the other person's face or clothes.
Things To Remember When Hugging Someone
Since human touch is necessary, hugs could become inevitable. To minimize the risk of transmission, follow these simple steps, according to ScienceAlert's report:
One, do not hug people showing symptoms of COVID-19 or if you think you have the symptoms of the disease.
Also, do not hug vulnerable persons, such as the elderly, immunocompromised, and other medical conditions. These people are at risk of contracting the disease which might be severe that could lead to the worst-case scenario: death.
Moreover, do not press your cheeks with other people even if they have no symptoms or seems to be healthy. Instead, face the opposite direction and wear face coverings, like a mask or face shield.
If you can, try to hold your breath to avoid transmitting or inhaling infectious droplets while hugging. Lastly, always wash your hands after or sanitize it with alcohol or hand sanitizers after hugging someone.
Check out more news and information on COVID-19 on Science Times.
