How does COVID-19 spread between people?
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the sickness, is known to travel between humans in a variety of ways. When an infected person coughs, sneezes speaks, sings, or breathes, the virus spreads in microscopic liquid particles from their mouth or nose. Larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols are among the particles.
According to current information, the virus transmits primarily amongst people who are in close proximity to one another, often within 1 meter (short-range). When virus-containing aerosols or droplets are breathed or come into direct contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth, a person can get infected.
The virus can also spread in cramped and/or poorly ventilated interior environments, where people tend to spend longer periods of time. This is due to the fact that aerosols remain suspended in the air or reach a distance of more than one meter (long-range).
People can also become infected by contacting surfaces contaminated by the virus without washing their hands before touching their eyes, nose, or mouth.
When do infected people transfer the virus?
Infected persons can be contagious, even if they don't show symptoms, and the virus can transmit from them to others.
According to laboratory findings, infected patients are most infectious immediately before they acquire symptoms (two days before symptoms) and early in their illness. People who get a severe condition may remain infectious for a prolonged period of time. While it is possible for someone who has never developed symptoms to transfer the virus to others, it is unclear how often this happens, and more research is needed in this area.
What's the difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic people? Don't they both refer to someone who is symptom-free?
Both phrases are used to describe people who are symptom-free. The distinction is that 'asymptomatic' refers to persons who are infected but never show symptoms, and 'pre-symptomatic' refers to people who are infected but have not yet shown symptoms but will later.
Also read What to do if someone is sick with COVID-19 in your household?
Is there any environment where COVID-19 can easily spread?
Yes, any setting where people are in close quarters for an extended length of time increases the potential of transmission. Indoor environments, particularly those with poor ventilation, are riskier than outside settings. Singing or heavy breathing during exercise, for example, cause more particles to be ejected from the lips, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
The "Three C's" are a helpful method to consider this. They outline conditions that make it easier for the COVID-19 virus to spread:
- Close-contact environments, especially where individuals are conversing very close to each other;
- crowded places
- Confined and enclosed spaces
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