With all the noise out there about COVID-19, I thought I would write up a good basic overview.
What We Think We Know
First, the virus which causes COVID19 is contagious with one person able to infect 2-3 others. It can be transmitted even if the person is asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic (before showing symptoms). This is why the preventative measures are so important.
Most will develop symptoms between 2-14 days after being exposed to the virus and current recommendations are to undergo testing at 5 days after exposure. Symptoms can include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, a new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Currently, it is thought that the virus is mainly spread by respiratory droplets that are released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. However, studies have also shown that there can be aerosol transmission (smaller particles that can remain airborne), as well as transmission when a surface with viral particles is touched and then transferred to the nose, eyes, or mouth.
There are a number of labs working hard on developing a vaccine and the fastest vaccine production up to now was for Mumps which took four years. Hopefully with the advances made since then, this vaccine production will be faster, but until that time we will all need to follow the recommendations to help decrease the spread.
Recommendations
First, physical distancing. The “6 foot rule” which I’m sure everyone has heard is based on the respiratory droplet transmission. Droplets tend to fall quickly when released with a cough or sneeze and this tends to be within 6 feet. However for aerosol transmission, this distance may need to be even further, and this is also why outdoors (where there is more air mixing) is always considered safer.
Second, masks. These can help prevent you from transmitting the virus to others, but also protect you. Multi-layer cloth masks have been shown to be very effective in recent studies. However, bandanas and gaiters have not been shown to be as effective. Masks can especially help when physical distancing is not possible. An important thing to remember is to try not to touch your mask or touch your eyes or face for the greatest protection.
Third, hand washing. Frequent hand washing, especially before entering and upon exiting a public place, or touching high touch surfaces, such as door knobs, light switches, and counters, has been shown to be very effective against the coronavirus. If hand washing is unable to be done, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can be used instead.
Fourth, limiting the size of gatherings is very helpful in preventing spread of the virus. The CDC recommends “cohorting” if at all possible, meaning that the same small group of individuals does things together (such as a class) and is relatively isolated from mixing with other groups.
Fifth, frequent sanitizing of surfaces that many touch, such as door knobs, light switches, counters is recommended for preventing transmission. Studies have shown that the virus which caused COVID19 can remain on certain surfaces, such as paper or cardboard for up to 5 days! There may not be enough virus to make you sick at five days but it is better to sanitize, wash your hands and stay healthy.
What If?
If you do feel sick or show any signs and symptoms of COVID19, it is important to stay home and self-isolate to prevent the spread to others. The CDC recommends getting tested if you can and have symptoms, but if you are unable, self quarantine for at least 10 days since symptoms began and for at least 3 days since your symptoms have improved.
https://media.giphy.com/media/d89BjPGXijE0imFOxA/source.movWe will get through this, take care of yourself and eachother.