Basic common hygiene practices (regretfully not taught in schools) can prevent almost all contagious diseases. Knowing that a sneeze and cough can travel 6 feet, also that different virus can live on surfaces for prolonged periods of time. A 2011 study, found that after nine hours, viable viruses were no longer found on most non-porous metal and plastic surfaces, such as aluminum and computer keyboards. On porous items, like soft toys, clothes and wooden surfaces, viable viruses disappeared after four hours. Remember a virus is not alive unless it is in a living organism, it is ‘code’ that is activated once in living cells.
Stay informed as the specific infectiousness of this new virus is determined – it has not been at this posting. An excellent source is the CDC website.
CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
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