Practical Ways to Protect Yourself From the Flu or Coronavirus (Pssst! Wash Your Hands)

We searched Amazon for the best ways to protect yourself during the coronavirus outbreak and we’re sharing what we found with you. Note: CandysDirt.com may collect a small commission or other compensation (Bezos hug) from the links on this page. Items are priced correctly and in stock at time of publication.

Recent outbreak news got you feeling a little queasy? I can relate. I’m not even particularly germ-phobic. But on top of this coronavirus doom and gloom, my kid’s got pink eye. I spent today to sterilizing everything, and now I’m going to burn it to the ground just to be safe.

So, I did a little digging into some practical (and some less so) ways of protecting yourself. And no, there are no masks on my list because the CDC says they protect you from jack and squat unless you’re in actual contact with a sick individual and already using universal precautions, including thorough hand-washing. Really, just wash your hands. Like, a whole lot.

Zap Coronavirus With PhoneSoap

PhoneSoap 3 UV Smartphone Sanitizer & Universal Charger

Price: $79.95

Odds are, if you use your phone as much as I think you do, it’s pretty germy. Like, ten times germier than a toilet seat. Yeah, you read that right. I don’t know about you but I just shuddered. What to do? Well, this UV smartphone sanitizer claims uses germicidal UV-C bulbs to kill 99% of bacteria and ‘germs’ on your phone’s surface (all while charging it, too!). And while designed for smartphones, it fits other small items like pacifiers, watches, and keys. Pick one up here.

What buyers are saying: Skeptical? Well, buyer Ginger took nobody’s word for it and went with science! She said, “Bought this along with a set of agar plates to test it for ourselves. We swabbed my daughter’s and husband’s phones before and after use. It does work. We are very happy with the product.” Here’s the photo proof.

Bleach, Baby

Clorox Healthcare Bleach Germicidal Wipes

Price: $25.77 (for 150 count)

You would not believe (or maybe you would) how many sanitizing products are sold out on Amazon. From what I’ve read, products with bleach kill coronavirus more effectively than say, hydrogen peroxide. And, pro-tip, it needs to stay on the surface for several minutes before you wipe it off, so follow directions closely for the most effective protection. Grab some here. Bleach can be rough on the hands, so maybe pick yourself up some gloves while you’re at it.

What buyers are saying: Some folks complain of broken seals and bleached clothes (yikes) but Susan says, “This product is used at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance clinic and the UW Medical Center (hospital). So I now use it at home to ensure maximum protection against germs since my immune system was completely destroyed and is now rebuilding. I trust it.” I mean, it’s bleach. Should do the trick.

Who Cares? Not You!

Meiomi Pinot Noir, 750 ml

Price: $17.99

Plan to simply hunker down and wait for this all to pass? I got you covered there, too. A glass (or three) of some Pinot Noir, a very simple molten chocolate cake recipe from my friend Deb at Smitten Kitchen and you’re all set. I don’t know about you, but this is one precaution I can keep up. Sure, you might come out the other end with Gout, but everything comes with risks.

What buyers are saying: Seriously, who cares? Not you after a few.