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The spread of viruses is often favored by trivial human errors that result from poor hygiene habits. Lack of caution and non-compliance with sanitary and epidemiological recommendations increase the risk of transmitting infectious diseases. What behaviors should be avoided to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens such as the COVID-19 coronavirus? This knowledge is extremely valuable for each of us now.

  1. The coronavirus pandemic has been going on for two years
  2. The SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads in a similar way to viruses from diseases such as measles, chicken pox and tuberculosis
  3. The rules for limiting the spread of infectious diseases are universal. What do you need to remember?
  4. Respond before it’s too late. Get to know your Health Index!
  5. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

How do viruses spread?

One of the ways coronavirus spreads is through droplet way. This is how an infection can spread from person to person. Droplets coming out of the respiratory tract, i.e. through the mouth and nose, when coughing or sneezing are a particular risk. When the particles of the secretion are in the air, which are inhaled by people in the immediate vicinity, the virus can easily enter their bodies.

Viruses in the person’s saliva also settle on nearby objects and surfaces. A healthy person can contract the disease by touching them and then around the nose, eyes or mouth. Scientists are also considering the possibility of transmission of the coronavirus also via the fecal-oral route.

Although the droplet route has been recognized as the main mode of transmission of the coronavirus, research into the risk of coronavirus airborne transmission quickly emerged. They show that the possible source of infection is not only coughing and sneezing, but also the air exhaled by an infected person. The risk of transmission of infection by air increases under certain conditions, mainly in confined spaces.

What is coronavirus airborne transmission?

Some viral infections (e.g. measles, chicken pox, tuberculosis) can be spread by air. This means that exposure to airborne infectious agents can lead to infection. There are tiny droplets called aerosols in the air you breathe out while talking, singing or simply breathing. They can stay in the air for hours and travel more than 1,8 meters.

Airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is also possible. The WHO and CDC emphasize that this can happen under specific conditions – especially in crowded and unventilated confined spaces where infected people spend a lot of time. According to the researchers, such circumstances favor the accumulation of aerosol with high concentrations of coronaviruses. Such an accumulation of viruses may be sufficient to cause infection in people present in the given space:

  1. at the same time as the person with COVID-19;
  2. shortly after the person with COVID-19 left the site.

Also note that in the case of droplet transmission Infectious material is larger and heavier droplets from the respiratory tract that quickly fall to the ground. While they do not stay in the air as long as human-exhaled aerosols, they may contain more viruses. This is why their infectious potential is considered to be higher, and protective measures in the form of keeping distance and covering the mouth and nose are so important.

  1. Coronavirus also spreads through the air. There are new CDC guidelines
important

It is recommended that ill persons or persons suspected of being infected with the COVID-19 virus should keep two meters distance from healthy persons. This minimizes the risk of pathogens being transmitted by droplets.

How can I protect myself from spreading viruses?

The spread of infectious diseases transmitted by viruses is favored by various behaviors related to insufficient hygiene. In order to prevent infection and spreading viruses, the following errors should be avoided, which include:

  1. Inaccurate hand washing. Hands should be carefully washed with warm soapy water for a minimum of 15–30 seconds, and then dried with a clean towel or disposable towel. It is recommended to perform this operation as often as possible, especially if we touch the area around the mouth, nose or eyes. Alcohol-based disinfectants are also effective against viruses, bacteria and fungi.
  2. Frequent touching of mouth, nose and eyes. Our hands touch various surfaces on which pathogens may be present. If we later touch the mucous membranes, we make it easier for pathogens to enter the body.
  3. Cover your mouth and nose with your hand when coughing and sneezing. This habit is one of the most common mistakes made by sick people. The correct response to reduce the spread of viruses is to cover the mouth and nose with a bent elbow or a tissue, which should then be discarded immediately.
  4. Multiple use of tissues. Using the same wipes multiple times or leaving them on countertops and elsewhere also spreads viruses. We should throw away used tissues immediately.
  5. Leaving home with symptoms of illness. Illness symptoms are a reason to stay at home. For COVID-19, the main symptoms are cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
  6. Infrequent change of towels. We use textile towels at home, but we should wash them often (especially during illness) to get rid of pathogens accumulating on them.
  7. Staying in crowded rooms without ventilation. Spending time in confined spaces, especially crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, increases the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. If possible, it is recommended to limit the time in such conditions or to provide adequate ventilation.
  8. Spending time with the windows closed. Insufficient air exchange in closed rooms (e.g. homes, schools, offices) increases the risk of infection with viruses. Proper ventilation provides access to fresh air, so it is important to ventilate closed rooms.

If you want to help fight viruses and bacteria, you can also try Bio Spirulina, which supports the immune system. It is available on Medonet Market.

Learn more:

  1. What is the effectiveness of the Moderna booster? New research
  2. What is COVID-19 treated in Poland? Here are the recommended medications
  3. How long does Omikron stay on items? There is no good news
  4. What vitamins and dietary supplements to take while undergoing COVID-19? Advice from your family doctor

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