How can we prevent getting infected by viruses

CoV-19, a coronavirus disease caused in 2019, is called COVID 19, which stands for “coronavirus disease 2019.” The disease is caused by infection with SARS – CoV 2 and can lead to death in up to 20 percent of the world’s population. ^{Sources: 0, 2}

The virus causing COVID-19 is thought to be transmitted through droplets and may also transmit through direct contact with the infected person’s saliva or other contaminated bodily fluids. The risk of catching the virus from another person is low if you are not in close contact with someone with COVID-19. Keeping space away 6 feet from each other is the best way to expose viruses. ^{Sources: 4, 19, 20}

This is because droplets containing viruses can travel a distance by sneezing or coughing. If you care for someone who is sick, try to stay 6 feet away from them while they cough, sneeze or cough. ^{Sources: 23}

Wash your hands often. Virus spread can be contained by frequent disinfection of surfaces and hand washing with soap and water or sanitizing with alcohol hand sanitizer. This is one of the best methods to kill germs on the hand and prevent their spread to others. To prevent viruses from spreading to themselves and others, wash your hands thoroughly least 15-20 seconds. ^{Sources: 8, 9, 14}

Although there are no foolproof methods to avoid infection, washing your hands often and not touching your eyes, nose and mouth would help in preventing infection. ^{Sources: 16}

The CDC has provided a list of tips to limit the nosocomial spread of the virus, as well as information on the CDC’s website for more information. ^{Sources: 6}

People of all ages should take precautions, such as wearing a mask when going out in public, to protect themselves and reduce the chances of the infection being transmitted to others. As with any virus, people can take similar precautions to avoid getting sick: get plenty of sleep, avoid surfaces that you often touch, avoid crowded places, and avoid contact with people with respiratory diseases, even those who may think their symptom is caused by allergies or asthma. ^{Sources: 11, 13, 17, 21}

The next best thing to hand hygiene is to practice physical distance to prevent bacteria and viruses from being transmitted. The same precautions that you take to avoid the flu will also help you prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. There is still work to be done, how can these measures help slow the spread of the virus? Experts are looking at ways on a daily basis to come up with vaccine to increase body’s immune response and prevent the spread of this virus. ^{Sources: 2, 3, 9, 22}

If the virus causing COVID-19 is similar to other coronaviruses currently infecting humans, it is expected that people who become infected might be immune for weeks or months. ^{Sources: 12, 15}

Viruses, including the cold and flu, spread more strongly in cold months, but that does not mean that it is impossible to get the virus in another month. In theory, once a person is infected, the person who is immune for a while, and it would be impossible for you to contract the virus within short period. This virus could become a seasonal virus like influenza virus, from which many people are now protected by flu vaccinations. ^{Sources: 1, 7, 10, 15}

Cited Sources:

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• https://www.umc.edu/CoronaVirus/FAQs.html ¹
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• https://247wallst.com/special-report/2020/02/28/16-tips-to-prevent-coronavirus-and-other-viral-infections/ ¹⁷
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