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Every day there is alarming news about the spread of COVID-19 infection. It is obvious that until universal vaccination and the formation of collective immunity, we will continue to live in an emergency situation. Knowledge about the virus and its spread is now much more extensive than at the beginning of the pandemic. Each of us can reduce the risk of infection by taking care of ourselves, our loved ones and those for whom we are responsible. A new wave of the spread of COVID-19 is expected in the world, so now is the right time to update information about the virus and develop new rules of conduct in a pandemic.
Signs and symptoms of coronavirus
The main trick of the new COVID-19 is its ability to be transmitted through asymptomatic carriers. Unlike the regular flu, which we have long been accustomed to living side by side with, this virus can manifest itself within 14 days after infection. A person infected with coronavirus but not showing any symptoms can become a carrier of the disease without even knowing it.
When symptoms finally begin to appear, they include the following:
- elevated temperature;
- cough (often dry);
- fatigue;
- joint pain;
- dyspnea;
- headache.
All of these symptoms can also be associated with other diseases. Even special tests do not always provide a clear answer as to whether a person has coronavirus or is simply overtired or has a cold. Therefore, testing may be required several times.
One of the characteristic signs of coronavirus is loss of smell. Sometimes it appears even earlier than more serious symptoms, such as fever or shortness of breath. For some people, lack of smell remains the only manifestation of the disease.
Coronavirus prevention methods
Social distancing remains the main method of prevention. Experts recommend avoiding large gatherings of people, especially indoors. In the US, where the number of cases has not decreased in recent months, doctors have identified several of the riskiest places for contracting coronavirus:
- Bars
- Churches
- Sports stadiums
In these places, people often behave emotionally, talking loudly and shouting, which creates a high concentration of aerosol particles from the respiratory organs in the air, which is the main mechanism of transmission of the virus. Recent studies also highlight that having good indoor ventilation is a natural barrier to virus transmission. Thus, the “1,5 meter rule” indoors without masks is not always effective.
Major risk factors for infection include:
- Staying indoors, especially with poor ventilation
- Prolonged contact with an infected person
- Having a lot of people around
- The use or lack of masks of those you come into contact with
It must be remembered that touching mucous membranes with dirty hands is also dangerous. It is recommended to avoid shaking hands and regularly wash your hands, as well as treat surfaces with special products to reduce the risk of infection indoors.
Disinfection against coronavirus
Systematic disinfection of premises reduces the risk of infection. The coronavirus disinfection procedure includes a set of measures aimed at destroying the virus on surfaces. According to the recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor, formulations containing chloroactive, oxygen-active substances and alcohol can be used for disinfection. These components are safe for human health, but effectively destroy viruses. For maximum effectiveness, disinfection against coronavirus should be carried out by professionals using modern drugs. Regular sanitization is necessary:
- In the entrances of apartment buildings.
- In schools and kindergartens.
- In offices.
- In various institutions.
- In catering establishments.
- In residential apartments and other premises.
