As another week comes to a close, it's good to take stock and establish what we now know about the coronavirus and how it functions. William Murray has put together this explainer for commonspace.eu, which we are publishing as a public service announcement
How does the virus spread? The virus is believed to spread most readily through the inhalation of droplets of moisture put into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. By cancelling and avoiding social gatherings, and social distancing - staying at least 1.5 meters away from each other - we can lower the chance of the virus being passed on from person to person.
What are the symptoms of the virus? Officially, the World Health Organization lists three main symptoms - a fever, tiredness and a dry cough - with some also experiencing aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat and diarrhoea. British Ear, Nose and Throat doctors have also warned about anosmia - a loss of the senses of smell and taste - as a sign of the virus, even in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. Although this has been widely reported and there is likely to be an association with the virus, there is yet to be a full study unequivocally connecting the two.
How long can the virus remain on surfaces? The New England Journal of Medicine published a study last week showing the virus to be detectable on copper for four hours, cardboard for 24 hours, and plastic and steel for up to 72 hours. On surfaces, over time, the virus does decay to a point where it cannot viably infect anyone, and so it is more likely to be passed through contact with infected humans. However, this study does demonstrate the importance of washing your hands, especially after leaving the house.
What should I do if I get the virus? If you exhibit even mild symptoms of the virus, it is important that you stay in to avoid passing it onto others. If you live with someone that has shown symptoms, you then also are advised to stay at home. The NHS recommends staying at home for 7 days from the day your symptoms started, or 14 days if living with someone showing symptoms.
Useful Link and Sources
The World Health Organisation - Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19): https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
ENT UK - 'Loss of sense of smell as marker of COVID-19 infection': https://www.entuk.org/sites/default/files/files/Loss%20of%20sense%20of%20smell%20as%20marker%20of%20COVID.pdf
The New England Journal of Medicine - 'Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1': https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973?query=featured_home
NHS Inform - 'Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection': https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-infection
Harvard Health Publishing - 'Coronavirus Resource Center': https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/coronavirus-resource-center
source: William Murray has put together this explainer for commonspace.eu, which we are publishing as a public service announcement
