Coronavirus Duration: Information on Virus Persistence in the Body, Air, and Food
In the ongoing battle against COVID-19, understanding the behaviour and survival of the virus is crucial. Here's a breakdown of key points regarding SARS-CoV-2 survival on various surfaces, transmission, and symptoms.
SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, can survive on different surfaces for varying lengths of time. On common surfaces like metal, glass, and plastic, the virus can persist for up to 9 days, though its viability decreases rapidly over time. For instance, in the air, SARS-CoV-2 can survive for up to 3 hours, while on copper, it can last for up to 4 hours. On cardboard, the virus can remain infectious for up to 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel, it can survive for up to 72 hours.
The virus's survival on surfaces is influenced by several factors, including temperature, humidity, material type, disinfectants, and environmental conditions. For example, higher temperatures and proper disinfection significantly reduce viral infectivity, while copper surfaces inactivate the virus faster than plastic or steel.
It's important to note that human behaviour and environmental factors also play a role in surface-based transmission. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects using effective disinfectants are crucial for minimising this risk.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, headache, body aches, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Severe symptoms include trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, inability to wake up or stay awake, blue lips or face, and difficulty staying awake.
One concerning aspect of COVID-19 is that the virus can be transmitted before a person develops symptoms. As of October 2020, there is no evidence that a person with mild or moderate symptoms can transmit SARS-CoV-2 more than 10 days after the first positive test result.
To prevent COVID-19, the best course of action is to avoid exposure to the virus. This can be achieved through regular hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing. There is currently no direct evidence a person can contract SARS-CoV-2 from food. The World Health Organization suggests washing fruits and vegetables as normal, washing hands thoroughly before eating, and not sharing cutlery or plates with those who may have COVID-19.
For those who test positive for COVID-19, self-isolation is crucial. Those with mild or moderate illness should isolate for 10 days after symptoms appear, and for an additional 24 hours with no fever. Those with no symptoms should isolate for 10 days after a positive test.
It's also important to be aware of Long COVID, or post-COVID syndrome, a collection of symptoms that some people continue to experience months after their initial illness. Symptoms of post-COVID syndrome include severe fatigue, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, headaches, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, low-grade fever, trouble concentrating, memory lapses, mood changes, skin rashes, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
In conclusion, understanding SARS-CoV-2 survival, transmission, and symptoms is key to combatting COVID-19. By following public health guidelines, such as regular hand washing, mask wearing, and social distancing, and by isolating when necessary, we can help slow the spread of this virus.
- The survival of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, can predict its presence on common surfaces like food for varying periods.
- A medical-health concern associated with COVID-19 is Long COVID, a collection of symptoms that can persist in individuals for months post-initial illness.
- Science and health-and-wellness experts emphasize that human behavior and environmental factors significantly impact surface-based transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
- Obesity is not currently a predictive factor for a higher rate of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, but regular cleaning of frequently touched objects using effective disinfectants can help minimize this risk.
- AQ (air quality) plays a role in the survival of SARS-CoV-2 in the air, as the virus can persist for up to 3 hours in such conditions.
