How Does the Coronavirus Spread? Check the BEST 6 Protection Measures
How does the Coronavirus spread?
Since it was first reported in China, in December 2019, the new coronavirus spread really fast in all corners of the world, infecting 5.6 million and killing more than 340,000 people as of May 25th, 2020. Not one single state in the United States has been left untouched by the novel virus.
The main focus of authorities and health officials is to slow down and stop the spread of this invisible enemy. But it’s also important for all of us to understand how coronavirus spreads so that we can protect ourselves and the ones we love.
How does the new coronavirus spread?
According to CDC as well as WHO, the coronavirus spreads “mainly through close contact from person-to-person”. This can take place in the following ways:
- Droplets released into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. These can reach people who are within 6 feet of the sick person.
- Aerosolized transmission. Early research suggested the new coronavirus can survive in air particles for up to three hours and breathed into the lungs.
- Surface transmission. The novel virus can also be contracted by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. This obnoxious virus can apparently remain on surfaces like plastic and stainless steel for 2 to 3 days.
- Community spread. In certain cases, someone can become infected with the virus due to an unknown cause, without any apparent contact with an infected person (the main way the virus spreads).
How easy can you become infected?
“Information from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suggest that this virus is spreading more efficiently than influenza, but not as efficiently as measles, which is highly contagious, according to CDC officials.
Based on several studies, a person infected with COVID-19 can infect 2 or 2.5 people (this is also referred to as an R Number), compared to a person with the flu who can pass it on to 1.1 to 2.3 others or someone with measles who can give it to 12 to 18 other people. If you’re a guy, you might want to know Why Men Catch a Cold 2 Times Faster Than Women.
Health experts also warn that a person is most contagious when he/she is showing symptoms. Although the chances are lower, it is also possible to pass it on to others even if you don’t show any symptoms of the disease, otherwise known as being ‘asymptomatic’.
That’s why it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of the new coronavirus in order to protect yourself as well as others around you. To help you with that, here are 6 New Coronavirus Symptoms the CDC Wants You to Watch Out For.
How to protect yourself and prevent coronavirus spread
There’s no proven treatment for COVID-19 yet, so, our best bet to fight this global pandemic is prevention through education.
- Maintain a safe distance. WHO recommends keeping at least 3 feet away from other people (especially those who are coughing or sneezing). The CDC, on the other hand, suggests staying at least 6 feet away from others to prevent coronavirus spread
- Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Keep your skin healthy and protected against excessive hand-washing with the help of these tips!
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The most efficient products are the ones with at least 60 percent alcohol. You can learn how to make your own hand sanitizer right here!
- Avoid touching your face. studies have suggested we touch our faces on average about 16 times an hour. If you touch an infected surface, you can also become infected if you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes. Wash your face not only your hands. Here’s how to maintain Perfect Skincare Guide During Coronavirus Self-Isolation.
- Wear a mask to prevent touching and exposing your face to droplets released by a sick person. Learn How to Make Your Own Face Mask at Home!
- Stay home. Call it social isolation, lockdown or shelter-at-home. If you can work from home, shop online and spend as less possible in public areas, do it. The best way to flatten the curve is to limit your exposure and contact with other people.
To help you manage your self-isolation better, try these 7 Expert-Recommended Methods to Curb Your Coronavirus Anxiety or these Best Quarantine Gadgets to Get You Through the Coronavirus Pandemic. If you really need to get out, here are 5 Effective Ways to Avoid Coronavirus Outside Your Home.
