How does the coronavirus spread?
Most people may not have experienced a pandemic quite like COVID-19. There have been a few health scares over the years, including SARS and swine flu, but none of those could have prepared the world for what it is experiencing today. This is why public health experts such as Martin Lloyd Sanders call for mass education on how the virus spreads and the various ways to mitigate this threat.
The novel coronavirus mainly spreads through respiratory droplets from infected people. A person who has the virus can spread it by coughing or sneezing. This is why many governments are emphasizing social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus through person-to-person contact. Martin Lloyd Sanders believes that social distancing is crucial in terms of minimizing the spread of the virus.
Does this mean that if you stay away from people who are sick, you won’t get infected? Experts note that there is still a chance to get infected. The virus itself can linger on surfaces and survive for several hours. It can also remain on public fixtures such as handrails, the packaging of essential goods, as well as money. Thus, rigorous hand washing is necessary to kill off any virus. Martin Lloyd Sanders also advises people to disinfect all goods after purchase and to wash clothes and take a shower immediately after arriving home.
Another important question that’s often asked is what are the symptoms when infected. Early symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, dry coughing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Martin Lloyd Sanders claims that if you feel any of these symptoms, it is best to self-isolate to keep others safe. However, there have been situations where people with COVID-19 have not shown symptoms until much later. So again, the importance of social distancing cannot be stressed enough. People who may have the virus may not even be aware of it as they go to supermarkets alongside others.
Currently, the healthcare system is facing its biggest challenge yet. And it is up to everyone to make sure that the healthcare services aren’t pushed over the edge. The least people can do is to not horde essential supplies such as personal protective equipment such as masks and surgical gloves. Also, avoid spreading unfounded information such as natural cures or claims by non-medical experts. With everyone’s help, the number of COVID-19 positive cases can be diminished.
