Even more about COVID-19

Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes common colds, but can also cause more serious illnesses such as SARS, MERS, or COVID-19. The virus is only about 0.025 µm in diameter, much smaller than the eye. human can see even with the best light microscope. In comparison, a fine human hair is approximately 40 µm in diameter. When people speak, cough, or sneeze, they expel tiny droplets that vary greatly in size, but the average is about 1 µm. Each tiny drop can contain hundreds of thousands of viruses, and the droplets can persist in the air for several hours.

This electron microscope image of a coronavirus shows tiny structures on the surface that look like crowns. When the virus encounters a human cell, the corona attaches itself to the surface of the cell and injects its own RNA into the cell, which then takes over cellular mechanisms and produces copies of the virus. They eventually cause the cell to explode, which can release up to 50,000 new viruses.

COVID-19 virus is a new virus in humans that first entered the population in late 2019. The virus cannot live for long outside a human host, and the main vector of transmission are those that travel to and from infected areas. We have little natural immunity to the virus and there is no proven treatment or vaccine for the virus. About 97% of those infected recover within 14 days, but particularly severe cases must be hooked up to a ventilator to keep the patient breathing until the virus runs its course. The virus is most deadly for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms of the virus are headaches, fever, itchy pink eyes, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, swollen toes, and loss of smell or taste. The incubation period after exposure is 5 to 14 days. Exposed people can pass the virus to others before they experience symptoms. However, some people with the virus may never have symptoms and can still pass the virus to other people.

The virus is transmitted by direct contact between individuals from small droplets expelled when an infected person speaks, coughs or sneezes. The 6 foot social distance is usually enough to prevent the virus from spreading directly. However, tiny droplets from coughs or sneezes can travel much more than 6 feet and can contain hundreds of thousands of viruses. The droplets can persist in the air for several hours. Over time, they settle on surfaces where the virus can live for up to several days, depending on the type of surface. For example, the virus is found to exist for one day on cardboard and up to three days on tile or plastic.

The virus infects a person by entering through the eyes, nose, or mouth. It can happen from being around an infected person, especially if they are coughing or sneezing. Small droplets that settle on surfaces transfer when you touch the surface and can then infect you when you touch your face. Once on your hands, it will transfer the virus to anything you touch until you wash your hands or remove the virus with a hand sanitizer.

The best precautions are aimed at preventing the virus from spreading from person to person. From what we know about the virus, the following guidelines have been developed to prevent it from spreading:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home as much as possible, especially if you may be sick.

• Maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet from other people when you are in public.

• Avoid touching surfaces in public places. Assume that anything you touch may be contaminated.

• Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use disinfectant.

• Avoid touching your face, especially rubbing your eyes.

• Wear a mask when in public, mainly to avoid infecting other people. Remember that you can spread the virus even if you have no symptoms.

• Avoid traveling to and from areas that have high levels of infection. Human movement is the main vector for the spread of the virus.

• Avoid meetings, especially those with more than 10 people.

For the future, mMost states have issued orders based on the above precautions to keep their citizens safe. However, if the orders stay in place for too long, they will hurt the economy, but if they relax too soon, we may experience a second round of the virus. This would prolong the pandemic and further harm businesses. Most states, sometimes under political pressure, are relaxing step-by-step guidelines to allow businesses to open without losing sight of the infection rate.

Regardless of your state’s orders, it would be a good idea to follow the precautions above until your healthcare professionals give their approval. The decision is up to you. Follow the guidelines to protect yourself and others.