Coronavirus Spread & COVID-19 Prevention

How is COVID-19 transmitted?

Unfortunately, given the rapid outbreak and spread of COVID-19, the risk factors associated with the virus are not yet fully understood. However, person-to-person spread is thought to occur mainly via respiratory droplets, in a manner resembling the spread of influenza. Contaminated surfaces can also contribute to its spread. The chart above from John Hopkins illustrates the global spread of the virus.

Note the recovery rate in green. The patients who are the most at risk are the elderly and persons with compromised immune systems. 

 

How can I protect myself?

Washing your hands, covering your mouth upon coughing and sneezing, and disinfecting surfaces with alcohol-based products is the best way to protect oneself. Since a virus like COVID-19 transmits via respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, covering your mouth and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth helps a great deal.

 

Please see a great step by step guide on washing your hands by the World Health Organization below: 

Debunking the myth: Why Masks don’t help Prevent the Spread of COVID-19:

Despite how many people are wearing masks on the subway or at the airport these days, masks tend to provide inadequate protection from coronavirus. 

Here’s why: COVID-19, being a virus, is extremely small. We’re talking about something that’s about 200-1,000 nanometers in length. By comparison, a Red Blood Cell is about 10,000nm (see the chart below):

Many masks on the market improperly prevent something as microscopic as a virus from entering your body. Masks are ineffective unless you’re wearing an air-tight hazmat bodysuit like the heroic healthcare professionals in China on the frontlines. as seen below:

Therefore, rather than stocking up on masks, the best way to prevent coronavirus is to be vigilant and thorough about your and your loved ones’ hygiene with the aforementioned techniques. If flu-like symptoms arise, make sure to schedule a coronavirus testing appointment as soon as possible. 

LabFinder is continuously in contact with the existing laboratories in our network. Get breaking updates on COVID-19 testing facilities by subscribing to our live update network

Schedule testing for additional harmful coronavirus strains here: Cold Flu Virus

Where is the best place to get more information?
WHO, CDC, NIOSH, NIH, and FDA websites are the most highly recommended sources for additional information on COVID-19. 

Sources:

Center For Disease Control 

Science Source

Bored Panda 

DebGroup

UpToDate.com