Lesser-Known Facts About Coronavirus

Facts About Coronavirus - At the moment the entire world is under the grip of COVID-19 crisis. The disease has infected more than 5.5 million people globally and has claimed over 3.5 lakh lives in at least 188 countries and territories. There has been a lot being said and heard about the origin, structure and nature of the virus. However, there are still a few but important aspects of this virus which are lesser known by the masses. 

Let’s explore some more lesser-known facts about coronavirus. 

Size of the Virus Responsible for COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious disease. It is transmitted through droplets. Generally, a virus is transmitted through droplets when the droplet particles are less than 5-10 micrometres in diameter. The droplet particles of this size are referred to as respiratory droplets. And 5 micrometres are equal to 0.005 millimetres. So, the size of the virus causing COVID-19 disease could be less than 5-10 micrometres in diameter. 

Life of Coronavirus

Coronavirus can live for 3-5 days on surfaces we probably touch on a daily basis. The life of the virus on different surfaces is as follows:

    • Plastic – The virus can live for  up to 3 days on plastic. Thus, it is important to sanitize articles made of plastic like detergent bottles, milk packets, bus seats, elevator buttons, etc.
      
    • Metal & Wood – On metal, like jewellery, doorknobs, silverware, the virus can last for up to 5 days. And it can survive for 4 days on items made of wood like furniture and decking.

    • Stainless Steel – The survival period of the virus on stainless steel like pots, refrigerators, sinks, water bottles is up to 3 days.

    • Cardboard and Copper – Coronavirus can survive for 24 hours on cardboard (shipping boxes), and 4 hours on copper. 

    • Paper & Glass – The virus can last for up to 5 days on glass (measuring cups, drinking glass, windows). However, the survival time on paper varies. Some strains of coronavirus live for 5 days, whereas some vanish in a few hours or minutes on paper. 

Health experts have therefore advised people to clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects in their home and office every day. 

Coronavirus in the Air

The virus that causes COVID-19 disease does not linger in the air at higher enough levels. So, it’s not risky for those who are not physically close to an infected person. By maintaining distance from others, you can be able to stay safe and healthy.

Silent Carriers of Coronavirus

Silent carriers of coronavirus are the asymptomatic people (those who do not show any visible symptoms of the disease). This happens because of strong immune power.  Since these people are unaware of the fact that they have got infected, they can spread the virus by going out, meeting people and touching any object.  

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So, it is in the better interest of everyone that we all stay at home till a cure is found for this deadly and highly contagious virus. Social distancing is the one of the most effective ways to contain the spread of coronavirus. 

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Takeaway

With the facts above, it is advisable to clean the surfaces in the office and home regularly, practice social distancing, washing hands frequently and following all the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard."