By Dr. Chetan Ginigiri,MBBS(JIPMER), MD (PGIMER) Fellowship PICU (Kings College London), Head of Dept – Paediatric & Neonatal services, Aster CMI Hospital
Coronavirus is a broad name that has an array of virus traits that can potentially cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several traits of coronaviruses cause respiratory illness. This ranges from mild common cold to severe Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
However, the current coronavirus that brings about COVID-19 was unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan. There is no vaccine or medicine that is discovered so far to combat this viral infection. COVID-19, thus, is now a pandemic affecting many countries worldwide.
Recently discovered novel coronavirus spread mainly by inhaling respiratory droplets expelled by an infected person when he coughs or sneezes. So far there is no evidence it spread through the air as these droplets are comparatively heavy, and does not travel far. Instead, it promptly sinks to the ground. That is why it is recommended to stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who seems sick and to avoid large gatherings.
These droplets can, however, land on objects and surfaces around the person. Anything the person contacts or anything near him like tables, doorknobs, handrails, paper, etc. can be contaminated. Anyone who touches these contaminated surfaces, and then, without washing their hand, if touch, his eyes, nose, or mouth can be infected. That is why it is highly recommended to wash the hand frequently with soap. Soap kills the virus.
Contact with the contaminated surfaces is the main reason for contracting COVID 19. Novel coronavirus can remain intact on surfaces for up to 72 hours. Again, how long it survives depends on the material the surface is made from. Coronavirus remains longer on some surfaces than others. It is found that the virus can remain active from three hours to seven days. The duration depends on the type of surface. After the proposed time, the virus starts to degenerate.
Here’s a guide that helps you to understand how long coronaviruses can remain on different surfaces you more often used to touch every day. However, remember, researchers still have a lot to understand about the novel coronavirus. For example, we still don’t know the effect of heat and cold exposure or exposure to sunlight on the virus. This also plays a role in determining how long the virus remains active on the surface.
Now you know the possibilities of contracting coronavirus from different surfaces. To reduce your chance of catching or spreading of coronavirus through infected surfaces, there is only one technique. Sanitize and disinfect all surfaces and objects in your home and office every day. This includes:
You can clean the households and offices by means of spray and wipes. If the surfaces appear filthy, you have to clean them first with soap and water. After that, disinfect them. Likewise, after visiting the medical store, grocery store supermarkets, and take away containers, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water. Do the same things after you pick up a newspaper delivered in the doorstep.
Dr Chetan Ginigeri is an experienced Pediatric Intensivist with national and international training. With 15 years of experience, he is one among very few Intensivists in India trained to take care of children who need/had organ transplants. He has been responsible for coordinating the Pediatric Organ Transplant program.Read more.
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MBBS(JIPMER), MD (PGIMER) Fellowship PICU (Kings College London), Head of Dept – Paediatric & Neonatal services, Aster CMI Hospital
A passionate Child Health Advocate, Paediatric Emergency and ICU consultant, Child Safety Expert, Author, and Teambuilder – Dr. Chetan Ginigeri wears different hats according to the role necessitated at the time.
Having trained in India’s best medical Schools (JIPMER Puducherry & PGI Chandigarh) and advanced training in Pediatric and Transplant Intensive care at Kings College Hospital London – Dr. Chetan’s journey has encompassed all setups in Indian healthcare to NHS.
He previously heads the Children’s ICU at Narayana Health Bangalore and was one of the co-founders of PeopleTree Hospitals Yeshwantpur. Currently, he heads a large multidisciplinary team of Paediatricians at Aster CMI Hospital Hebbal Bangalore.
Child safety and prevention of unintentional injuries in children is very dear to him. PLAYFUL – An ultimate Guide to Child Safety is a book authored by him and has already sold more than 10,000 copies. This online platform is an ongoing attempt to address this new Public Health problem.
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