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Coronavirus is very contagious and, at the same time, very easy to prevent. The source of infection can be both people and various surfaces where the coronavirus can survive up to 72 hours. It dies over time. We asked dr hab. n. Tomasz Dzieśćtkowski, a virologist from the Medical University of Warsaw, how the coronavirus ceases to be active.
The coronavirus belongs to the Coronaveridea family of viruses. They are characterized by the fact that their lipid sheath has corona-like structures. This is where the name coronavirus comes from.
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The lipid (fatty) film is very sensitive and can be easily destroyed with commonly used chemicals such as soap and disinfectants. After contact with such substances, the coronavirus dies.
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Coronavirus prevention is very simple. To avoid becoming infected with the coronavirus, you should:
- wash your hands often – wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and if you cannot wash your hands thoroughly, always have a disinfectant with you;
- do not touch the face with your hands, especially the eyes, nose and mouth – remember that coronavirus is also found on various surfaces we touch. Therefore, through touch, we can very easily transfer the coronavirus onto ourselves;
- frequently and regularly clean surfaces you touch – places you touch frequently should be disinfected or wiped with soap and water, especially in the case of counters, desks, door handles, handrails, light switches, etc .;
- disinfect your cell phone – the surface of the phone is a source of many pathogenic microorganisms. Just wipe the phone with a disinfectant wipe. Also, remember to put your phone aside when eating;
- keep a distance from people with whom you are talking – it should be approx. 1-2 meters;
- cover your face when sneezing or coughing – try to use handkerchiefs or cover your face with your elbow. Then always disinfect your hands with a product with a minimum alcohol content of 70%;
- take care of a healthy diet and an adequate level of hydration of the body – remember about a properly balanced diet, preferably easily digestible. Try to avoid processed foods, alcohol, and cigarettes. Take care of 5 servings of vegetables and fruits in your diet. Drink a minimum of 5 liters of water a day;
- use proven sources of knowledge about the coronavirus – try not to panic and follow the current recommendations.
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Coronavirus can be in the form of an aerosol in the air, where it can survive for about 3 hours, and can be found on various surfaces, where it can persist for up to 72 hours. After this time, he dies. What does it mean?
The coronavirus is an enveloped virus. This means that it is very sensitive to various external factors, such as detergents or high temperatures. Under the influence of these physicochemical factors, the coronavirus begins to dry up and become inactive.
In fact, the coronavirus is dead, so when it “dies,” it ceases to be active. It is influenced by various physicochemical factors. These factors affect all enveloped viruses, including the coronavirus. Under their influence, they begin to dry out. These are detergents, solar radiation or high temperature in full sun. Under these conditions, the coronavirus deactivates over time.
The editorial board recommends the most important articles about the coronavirus:
- How do I clean my phone to get rid of germs?
- Why does the coronavirus kill some and run like a cold in others?
- Is it possible to catch the coronavirus a second time?
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.