How to Protect Yourself During These Times?

At this point, we all know COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus. It recently showed up and already has changed our lives forever. However, there’s still so much grey matter on how this virus works and its consequences. One of the positive aspects of it is that the scientific community around the world have joined forces to understand its mechanisms and find a way to fight back and maximize prevention. This knowledge could prove to be an essential tool to decrease the infection rate and have a better-controlled outcome.

Here, we will share a few things about what we know so far about how this virus works. Coronavirus is the name for a group of viruses that can infect humans and animals. Accordingly, COVID-19 is a type of coronavirus that causes respiratory infections. This virus spread at a very quick pace worldwide, precipitously turning into a pandemic.

Some of the most common symptoms for COVID-19 include dry cough, fever, headaches, sore throat, and others. These symptoms may vary depending on the type of virus contracted. Viruses are always mutating, and this has also been observed in the current virus; two strains have been the focus of attention. The first strain is the S-type and it is a milder version, while the second strain, the L-type spreads more aggressively. Unfortunately, the L-type is the most predominant.

To understand how to protect yourself from this virus, it is necessary to know how it spreads. COVID-19 can be present in the air in the form of droplets, these make their way to the surface when an infected person breathes, speaks, coughs, or sneezes. The droplets can remain on the air for a few minutes and on solid surfaces for up to 24 hours or even longer depending on the material of the surface. It’s easy to inhale the virus from a contaminated person or object. Therefore, to prevent getting infected or infecting others, in case we carry the virus, we must keep a distance of at least six feet. Which is why we see signs about it everywhere. Also wearing masks, a face shield or a face guard and disinfecting the objects or surfaces we have contact with, as well as washing our hands are key to prevent contagion.

One important aspect we should understand is that the virus is structured in such a way that a lipid envelope cover protects it, so when we wash our hands this shield is broken up by the soap and washed away. Follow these recommendations, take care of yourself and stay safe.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119