Hi Dr Rita How do you catch the virus??? If someone has it can they pass it on by touch??
From what we know so far, the coronavirus seems to spread like other respiratory illnesses. That’s through:
1. Someone coughing and you breathing in the particles into your lungs, or
2. Those particles being on a surface (for example someone coughing into their hand and then touching a door handle), and then you touching those particles and transferring them to your mouth.
An analysis in the NEJM found that the virus can remain in the air for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel up to 72 hours.
That’s why the following strategies are so important:
Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds—the WHO recommends 6-9 times a day—and especially after going out, and before eating.
Try to limit touching your mouth or face.
If you cough, cough into your elbow (instead of your hand) or a tissue. Chuck tissues away.
Clean surfaces regularly.
If you have symptoms, follow self-isolation advice.
I’d also generally avoid touching and kissing others, especially on the face, and especially if you don’t live together. If you do live together, then—unless you’re all self-isolating in your rooms—it’s likely most household contacts will get infected.
If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.
I would recommend regularly cleaning down surfaces that you touch—such as door handles. It’s generally advisable to wash fruit & veg before eating!
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