Transmission and prevention of # SARSCoV2
Three basic concepts to start:
1. Source of the virus: Viruses contained in the saliva that is expelled when speaking, coughing or sneezing.
2. Route of entry of the virus: eyes, nose, mouth.
3. Transmission routes: contact, drops, aerosols.
Contact transmission, 2 ways:
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Direct, as when kissing a person with the infection.
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Indirectly, by touching the surface of the virus with the hands and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth.
It is important to mention that this seems to be the least efficient form of transmission.
Being inefficient, we must reduce the panic that has led to trying to disinfect all surfaces and objects, eg: disinfect the pantry upon arrival from the supermarket.
We must not exaggerate, but also do not neglect, to prevent this route, the best is hand washing.
Drop transmission:
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Refers to large droplets (> 5 microns) that are expelled when speaking, coughing, or sneezing. Due to their size they do not travel beyond 1 or 1.5 meters.
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Prevention in this form of transmission is staying 1.5-2 meters from other people.
Aerosol transmission:
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It refers to small drops (<5 microns), which due to their size can remain suspended in the air and travel greater distances than large drops.
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They are of great relevance when we think of closed and crowded places.
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In a closed and crowded place, a sick person could infect another person even more than 2 meters away.
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The prevention here is to avoid closed and crowded places. Offices, public transport or places of significant accumulation of people must be ventilated.
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We have already seen that there are different forms of transmission and prevention, but if we go back to the origin that the source of the virus is saliva, we will understand the relevance of the use of the face mask, that would impact by limiting the emission of viruses and would be efficient in the 3 types of transmission.
In summary:
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Do not obsess over cleaning objects and surfaces, wash your hands.
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Keep distance.
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Avoid closed and crowded places.
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Open and ventilated places are the safest.
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For you, for the others, so that you don't see your cheeks, so it is #UseCubrebocas.