Beginner’s Guide to Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus

Ever since its discovery in late December 2019, the world has been on high alert fighting tooth and nail against the COVID-19 pandemic. Never in modern history have we seen the world united to fight against the common unseen enemy.

Since the virus is primarily transmitted from person to person, it is not only the effort of officials and leaders but for everyone to take a stance and fight the virus. This means adhering to all measures that have been laid out by our government and health officials.

At the same time, blind faith almost yields the opposite result since people will follow better if they understand who or what they are fighting. Before we see the preventive measures, let’s look at the enemy: coronavirus.

COVID-19 Overview

Until recently, coronaviruses were not dangerous. Each year people would line up at the emergency care centers looking for remedies for the common cold. At least once a year, if you had a common cold, it was caused by the coronavirus.

Rhinovirus takes the lead in causing common colds, then the coronavirus.

There are seven types of coronaviruses. The SARS-CoV-2 is one of them, and it is the one which is responsible for causing COVID-19, (an acronym for coronavirus disease 2019).

There are two other deadly types responsible for causing severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Know How Coronavirus Spreads

SARS-CoV-2 is the most contagious virus thus far because one person who has it can spread it between 2 and 2.5 people, as indicated in early research.

Primarily, the coronavirus is spread from person to person. This means that when a person is infected, and you are close to them, you can get infected.

Infection can happen if the infected person sneezes or coughs, and you breathe in the droplets, which can travel as far as six feet or two meters.

The virus can also be spread by people who are not exhibiting any symptoms (asymptomatic). That’s why you need to constantly have protective gear for COVID-19 when going out into the public.
Another way in which the virus is spread is by touching a surface or object which the virus has landed on. The virus is known to stay alive on certain surfaces longer than others. Look at the following:

• Stainless steel and plastic- 2 to 3 days
• Copper – 4 hours
• Cardboard 24 hours

There is a higher chance of you getting infected by being close to people than by handling grocery bags or food. However, you need to keep social distance while shopping and make sure to clean and disinfect countertops where you place the bags.

The virus can linger longer on such surfaces than packages.

Diagnosis and Testing

If you suspect that you have COVID-19 symptoms, contact our doctor immediately to receive further instructions.

We have government-issued COVID testing kits that can be used to ascertain whether you have COVID-19. Two types of tests that are available:

• Diagnostic or viral test. This is the primary COVID testing method that is used to determine if you are infected with SARS-CoV-2. This is the test that doctors recommend based on your symptoms and other factors.
• Antibody test. Our doctors, using COVID-19 antibody testing kits, will ascertain whether you have been previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2. Also, the test will show whether your body created antibodies to help fight the virus. Your body will take 12 days to produce enough antibodies to show up on the test.

Prevention Steps

Here are the prevention steps that you can follow:

Wash Your Hands Often

• Ensure that you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially if you have been in a public place or after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose.
• If you do not have access to soap and water, you can use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content. Ensure that your whole hand is covered and rub your hands until they become dry.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth before washing or sanitizing your hands.

Social Distancing

• Always try to maintain a distance of about six feet with the next person if in a public place because you never know who can be infected.
• If at home, avoid close contact with a family member who is sick
• Cover Your Nose and Mouth While in Public Areas
• Even if you don’t feel sick, you can still spread the virus
• This does not eliminate social distancing

Cover Sneezes and Coughs

• Remember to cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Then throw used tissues in the trash
• Then wash your hands

Clean and Disinfect

• Clean surfaces using detergents or soap and disinfect the frequently used surfaces.

You can also monitor your health, especially if you are running errands or going to the workplace. If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, contact our doctor at Altus Emergency Center in Waxahachie, who will help you throughout the process.