With so much discussion about thenew coronavirus, a few questions are especially top of mind right now.
How does the new coronavirus spread?
Why is it spreading so quickly?
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And how, if possible, can you reduce your risk of infectionor transmission?
The thing is, the situation is constantly changing, and experts are learning more and more every day.
As of now, heres what we know about the new coronavirus transmission.
(you’re able to also see all of our coverage thus farhere.)
What is the new coronavirus?
A virus called SARS-CoV-2 is behind the infectious disease now known as COVID-19, theCDCexplains.
SARS-CoV-2 is part of a family of viruses referred to as coronaviruses.
Some coronaviruses cause thecommon cold.
Chan School of Public Health, tells SELF.
He adds that it also seems to be more transmissible than SARS and MERS.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, fatigue, and a cough, theWHOexplains.
How does the new coronavirus spread?
How it spreads from human to human, however, is a bit clearer.
Most cases of the new coronavirus spread through respiratory droplets, Lipsitch explains.
Finally, there is emerging research that suggests the new coronavirus might exist in other bodily fluids likefecal matter.
It’s unclear whether you’re able to transmit the infection through feces, Lipsitch says.
How do we prevent spreading the new coronavirus?
Thats called community spread.
Case-based interventions include quarantines and monitoring people who are exhibiting symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19.
Social distancing practices are larger measures that communities use to keep transmission opportunities low.
Youve probably noticed them in your own life: school closures, event cancellations, andwork-from-homerecommendations.
When it comes to international travel, however, the advice is even clearer.
And, if you have any symptoms at all, you should definitely stay home.
Social distancing, while crucial to flattening the curve of infections, isnt always possible.
Thats whyproper handwashing(withsoapand water, yall) is also incredibly important.
Remember that the vast majority of new coronavirus cases are spread through respiratory droplets.
So can any people you live with.
you could take these steps if they make you feel better, though.
That helps free up medical care for more people with COVID-19.
This is really a social problem, and it needs social interventions, Lipsitch says.
Does the new coronavirus spread in children?
so you can confirm someone has the virus, they have to get tested, Dr. Milstone says.
Kids are not that sick, so they may not be getting tested.
It doesn’t mean kids don’t have the virus.
Can pregnant people transmit the new coronavirus to fetuses?
Unfortunately, there isnt enough information available to say how much of an increased risk there might be.
If youre pregnant, you should still take extra caution to avoid getting sick withanyinfectious respiratory disease.
The virus also hasnt been found in samples of amniotic fluid or breast milk.
Can the new coronavirus spread from people to pets (and vice versa)?
Whether or not your pets carry illness is only half of the equation, right?
The situation with coronavirus is evolving rapidly.
