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Coronavirus causes shortness of breath, cough and fever. In some patients the disease may be very severe, and in extreme cases even lead to the death of the patient. Therefore, prophylaxis now plays a key role. We asked Dr. Tomasz Dzieścitkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw, whether it is possible for the coronavirus to be transmitted through ventilation.
The coronavirus belongs to the Coronaviridae family. It has a lipid shell with characteristic crown-like structures on its surface. The casing can be easily destroyed by using commonly known chemicals, i.e. soap and disinfectant.
Check if you may have contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus [RISK ASSESSMENT]
The coronavirus causes a disease scientists named COVID-19. It is a respiratory tract infection that varies in severity.
- Check it out: Can a person who has been asymptomatic with coronavirus still contagious?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
COVID-19 presents with fever, cough, weakness and muscle aches. In addition, shortness of breath and respiratory problems also appear during coronavirus infection. These ailments require, in some cases, the connection of the patient to a ventilator or the administration of oxygen.
Some patients also complain of problems with the digestive system. The most common are diarrhea, nausea and vomiting that appear in the early stages of infection.
However, the disease can be very severe. Some patients develop sepsis, septic shock and severe multi-organ failure. In extreme cases, the disease may be fatal in critically ill patients.
- Check it out: Is it possible to catch the coronavirus a second time?
The risk of contracting COVID-19 it concerns everyone. Unfortunately, some people are particularly at risk of a severe course of the disease and complications. This group of patients includes the elderly, people with reduced immunity and those struggling with various chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases and neurological diseases.
These people should be extremely careful not to contract the coronavirus. Interestingly number of COVID-19 cases among children it is relatively low compared to other age groups.
- Check it out: What is the coronavirus mutation?
You can get infected with the coronavirus by airborne droplets. Infection can occur either directly or indirectly.
Direct source of coronavirus infection there is a sick person. Every time she sneezes or coughs her body, saliva particles with the coronavirus spray leave. Coronavirus in this form can survive for about 3 hours.
COVID-19 can be contracted indirectly by touching surfaces contaminated with the coronavirus. When the coronavirus hits various surfaces, it can survive for up to several dozen hours. For example, on a steel surface, the coronavirus can persist for up to 72 hours. Only after this time does it begin to dry up and cease to be active.
- Check it out: What is local coronavirus transmission?
– Not. There is no scientific evidence that the coronavirus can move through openings visible, for example, next to ventilation pipes – said the expert in the Onet Rano program. You can catch the coronavirus through airborne droplets from another person.
The editorial board recommends the most important articles about the coronavirus:
- Why is the coronavirus more dangerous for older people?
- Co-morbidities – what does this mean?
- Do infections increase a child’s exposure to coronavirus?
Have a question about the coronavirus? Send them to the following address: [email protected] You can find a daily updated list of answers HERE: Coronavirus – frequently asked questions and answers.