How Is Coronavirus Transmitted?
How Is Coronavirus Spread?
The World Health Organization predicts that coronavirus is mainly transmitted from person to person. However, studies are showing that the disease is also transmitted from the air.
Contact and Droplet
The spread of the disease is most common among people in contact with each other. For example; Direct contact with the hand that touches the mouth or nose of a COVID-19 patient causes transmission of the disease. At the same time, droplets emitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes pose a risk to those around. Because these droplets can fall into the eyes, mouth, or nose of the people around them, they can reach the lungs.
The coronavirus can also be transmitted through contact with infected surfaces or objects. A healthy individual who touches an object or cover with a virus and then puts their hand to their eyes, nose, or mouth can quickly become infected. If he continues his contact without washing his hands, it causes the spread of the disease.
Air Transmission
Although not showing symptoms, a person infected with the coronavirus can emit particles that carry the disease, even while talking, singing, or even breathing. These particles, which can remain alive for up to three hours in the air, are also highly likely to infect the disease. A healthy individual can catch COVID-19 disease by breathing these airborne particles.
Being in poorly ventilated indoor spaces with infected individuals for a long time causes the virus to spread. Besides, as the physical distance cannot be maintained in crowded environments, the risk of droplets and airborne transmission increases.
Other Transmission Routes
Studies on the spread of the new type of coronavirus are still ongoing. However, experts agree that the virus is also transmitted through semen and saliva. On the other hand, there are not enough studies to show that coronavirus is transmitted through pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus?
Person-to-person contact is the most critical factor that increases the risk of transmitting the new type of coronavirus. Health institutions of countries, especially the World Health Organization, are sure that the disease has spread by contact to a large extent. Imagine sitting next to someone who is carrying coronavirus in a bus or meeting. It is enough for this person to sneeze and cough without closing his nose or even just talking to make you sick.
Likewise, shaking hands, kissing, and hugging an infected individual also means spreading the disease. So how can we prevent the transmission of coronavirus?
Do not neglect to wear a mask
Masks help prevent an infected individual from infecting you through the droplet. Moreover, it can reduce your risk of exposure to airborne particles. In addition, the main principle for healthcare professionals to wear surgical masks in medical interventions is also valid while protecting from coronavirus.
After exhaling, the masks act as a barrier that reduces the risk of spreading by preventing particles from infecting others. Remember; Even if you do not show symptoms, you may be a carrier of coronavirus.
Take Care of Hand Hygiene
Take care to wash your hands frequently with soap. Wash your hands with soap and water not only after using the toilet but also when you sneeze or cough. Be sure to soap your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Do not forget to wash your hands right after entering the house from the outside or when you receive the package. You can regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces, smartphones, and tablets. When you cannot reach water and soap, choose disinfectants that contain 60% alcohol. If you want to use cologne, make sure that it is 80 degrees.
Follow Social Distance Rules
Many factors can affect the likelihood that the coronavirus will spread from one person to another. However, it should not be forgotten that the risk of infection is very high in close contacts. Take care to avoid crowds for both your health and public health. Stay home if you don't have to. Help reduce the risk of transmission through social isolation. Try not to be as intertwined with your family members who have to be in crowded environments for their job.