With the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of flu season, seasonal allergies, and the common cold, it’s important to keep up to date on how to prevent the spread of these illnesses. Being conscious of how we spread germs is the key to keeping us safe in these uncertain times. The most common ways of releasing germs from the body are:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Face touching
According to the CDC the methods of common and novel illness transmission are through
- Direct contact
- Contaminated surfaces
- Through the air
Let’s break down the direct contact method of transmitting these germs. An infected person touches their face particularly eyes, nose, or mouth. That person then goes on to touch someone else through let’s say a handshake. That person who has unknowingly been exposed to someone infected with a virus becomes infected when they touch their eyes, nose, or mouth. Even though we’re supposed to stay six feet apart from others in public places there may be a chance we come into physical contact with someone due to our work or some other situation. If your in a situation where making physical contact is a must, in order to minimize and try to prevent direct contact virus transmission, it’s important to make sure we sanitize our hands before and after we make physical contact with others.
Let’s move onto the second method of contaminated surfaces. An infected person touches their eyes, nose, or mouth and then touches a surface. Someone else comes along and touches that same surface after the infected person and ends up contracting that infected person’s germs. When the other person goes to touch their eyes, nose, or mouth they will now become infected with the virus. Spreading illness through contamination is why frequently disinfecting commonly touched surfaces is important. Doorknobs, faucet handles, remotes, keyboards, phones, and light switches are prime examples of surfaces prone to multiple touches and contamination..
Last, but not least, the method of transmission through the air. An infected person sneezes or coughs and the germs they released are now being carried in droplets or carried by dust causing it to linger in the air. Someone else who breathes within the same space is now inhaling the infection into their body. This is why proper covering or your mouth when sneezing and coughing is important because it shields the germs from the air. The best way to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing is to use the inside of your elbow. Also the best way to shield yourself from air exposure of the COVID-19 virus is to wear a mask.
In general the best ways to stay safe is to minimize contact with others, wash and disinfect hands regularly, and maintain a clean environment. So I hope this information helps you stay prepared and safe in the fight against today’s most common and in some cases most severe viral illnesses. For more information visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov.