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COVID-19: How Does It Spread
March 14, 2021 at 02:30 PM EDT
By WeatherBug's Christopher Smith
With the nation’s third spike in coronavirus cases underway, let’s look at how the virus spreads and the steps to take in order to stay safe heading through the weeks to come.
Social distancing has been emphasized for months now to avoid being infected with coronavirus and that is because it spreads easily from person to person. The greatest risk of infection transmission occurs if you are fewer than six feet away from a person with COVID-19 because coronavirus can spread through respiratory droplets, or air particles that result from someone talking, sneezing, coughing or breathing. Masks are emphasized as an important protectant in limiting the number of respiratory particles that can be spread throughout the air.
While coronavirus more commonly spreads during close contact, it can also sometimes spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Respiratory particles from someone infected can land on surfaces. If someone touches the same surface and then proceeds to touch their mouth, nose or eyes, they could possibly be infected with COVID-19.
People with pets may wonder if they can catch coronavirus from household animals. The risk of being infected by a pet seems to be low and there is only a small number of reports worldwide in which a dog or cat appears to have been infected by the virus from a person.
So, what can you do to try and avoid being infected with COVID-19? Social distancing, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, and mask wearing are three main steps to try and avoid infection. Frequent handwashing and disinfecting touched surfaces are also recommended.
Heading into another wave of coronavirus infections can be scary and exhausting. However, everyone can take steps to try and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Sources: cdc.gov
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Story Image via pixabay.com
Social distancing has been emphasized for months now to avoid being infected with coronavirus and that is because it spreads easily from person to person. The greatest risk of infection transmission occurs if you are fewer than six feet away from a person with COVID-19 because coronavirus can spread through respiratory droplets, or air particles that result from someone talking, sneezing, coughing or breathing. Masks are emphasized as an important protectant in limiting the number of respiratory particles that can be spread throughout the air.
While coronavirus more commonly spreads during close contact, it can also sometimes spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Respiratory particles from someone infected can land on surfaces. If someone touches the same surface and then proceeds to touch their mouth, nose or eyes, they could possibly be infected with COVID-19.
People with pets may wonder if they can catch coronavirus from household animals. The risk of being infected by a pet seems to be low and there is only a small number of reports worldwide in which a dog or cat appears to have been infected by the virus from a person.
So, what can you do to try and avoid being infected with COVID-19? Social distancing, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, and mask wearing are three main steps to try and avoid infection. Frequent handwashing and disinfecting touched surfaces are also recommended.
Heading into another wave of coronavirus infections can be scary and exhausting. However, everyone can take steps to try and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Sources: cdc.gov
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Story Image via pixabay.com