How does the coronavirus spread?

The 2019 coronavirus spreads primarily through close person-to-person contact.

When someone who has the infection coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the virus spray into the air from their nose or mouth. Anyone within 6 feet (2 meters) of someone who has the virus is close enough to potentially contract it.

A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the virus can survive in droplets for up to 3 hours after a person coughs it out into the air.

However, it is important to note that the tests in this study used aerosol machines under laboratory settings rather than human breath. The aerosol from a person’s cough may not stay in the air for as long.

The study also found that the virus survives for longer on surfaces. It can last for up to 24 hours on cardboard and for as long as 72 hours on plastic and stainless steel surfaces.

COVID-19 can spread when a person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a surface or object that the coronavirus has contaminated.

It is also possible for people who have no symptoms of infection to pass the virus on to others.

How can I protect myself and others?

People can protect themselves from contracting the virus and prevent its spread by following the precautions below.

• Wash the hands: Washing the hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is the most important practice. When soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer. Some key times to wash the hands include before eating and preparing food, after using the bathroom, after being in public, and when the hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth: This prevents the virus from entering the body.
• Keep a distance: People should keep a distance of 6 feet (2 meters) between themselves and other people.
• Practice good public hygiene: Cover all coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow, not the hands, and dispose of the tissue immediately.
• Clean surfaces often: Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as tabletops, counters, and doorknobs.
• Avoid sharing: Avoid sharing personal household items, such as cups and towels.
• Stay home: Only go outside if it is absolutely necessary, for either short periods of exercise or to buy vital items, such as food and medication.
• Get vaccinated: Get vaccinated for the flu, if possible.
• Use a cloth face covering: In the United States, the CDC recommend that everyone should wear a cloth face covering in public places where it is difficult to stay 6 feet away from others. This will help slow the spread of the virus by people who do not know that they have it. People should continue to wash their hands often and practice physical distancing. 

What to do if you think you have it

If a person believes that they have had exposure to the virus and develop serious symptoms, such as a fever, a cough, or difficulty breathing, they should contact a healthcare provider to determine whether a medical evaluation or additional care is necessary.

If the symptoms are not severe, a person should begin self-isolation. No other action is necessary at this time. To avoid spreading COVID-19 to others, they should:

• stay home unless a doctor advises them to seek medical care, or if there is an emergence
• isolate themselves in a separate room, away from others in the household
• wear a face mask or scarf to prevent any saliva or respiratory droplets from spreading to others
• call ahead before visiting a doctor’s office or urgent care center if the symptoms become severe
• avoid public transport, cabs, and ride sharing unless absolutely necessary

Is there a cure?

At this time, there is no cure for COVID-19. Treatment is supportive, and healthcare professionals have designed it to provide relief from the symptoms.

Supportive treatment measures are similar to those for a cold or flu. They may include:

• getting plenty of rest
• drinking plenty of fluids and eating small but frequent nutritious meals
• taking acetaminophen for pain and fever

Anyone with COVID-19 should contact a doctor or healthcare provider if their symptoms worsen.

Outlook

At this time, the situation regarding COVID-19 is constantly evolving. Confirmed cases, survival, death rates, and overall outlook all seem to vary greatly, depending on where a person lives, among other factors.

Summary

COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory disease that the virus SARS-CoV-2 causes.

The majority of people with COVID-19 will experience a mild illness, similar to the flu. However, older adults and people with certain conditions may be more at risk of developing a more serious illness.

There is currently no cure for COVID-19. Treatment aims to relieve the impact of the symptoms.

Prevention strategies, such as physical distancing, frequent hand washing, and not touching the face, can help protect individuals from the 2019 coronavirus.

[Courtesy: Medical News Today]