A virus’s ability to float in the air and survive on a surface for several hours can determine how infective they are.
A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) called Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 compared with SARS-CoV-1 described and compared how long the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses can stay in the air and different surfaces.
SARS-CoV-2 causes Covid-19. SARS-CoV-2 means Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus – 2.
Its cousin, SARS-CoV-1, led to the SARS epidemic in 2002-2003. SARS is short for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome.
The study involved producing aerosols that contain enough viruses to start an infection. The aerosols were produced mechanically in a laboratory-controlled condition.
They ensured that the aerosol production mimics the cough or sneeze of a person infected with Covid-19 and SARS. Then they measured how long the viruses stay suspended in the air.
They also measured and compared how long the SARS-Cov-2 and SARS-CovV-1 can survive on different materials.
How Long can the SARS-CoV-2 Survive?
- Aerosols – 3 hours.
- Plastic and stainless steel – 72 hours
- Cardboard – 24 hours
- Copper – 4 hours
The SARS-CoV-2 can survive as long as the SARS-CoV-1 virus.
Real World Meaning of the Results
The ability to survive in the air and different surfaces for several hours can explain the rapid spread of the current pandemic.
It is known that the SARS-CoV-2 multiplies in the upper respiratory tract and makes it more infectious than the SARS virus.
Furthermore, SARS-CoV-2 can be spread by asymptomatic carriers, as shown in this article, Walking Coronavirus Pneumonia Can Spread the Disease.
The more viruses floating in the air, the higher the risk of infection. That is why crowded places should be avoided, and social distancing is a must.
If I have to be in a crowded place, I will wear a mask, especially if I take care of a vulnerable person.
The ability of the SARS-CoV-2 to survive in everyday materials that we touch like plastics, stainless steel, and cardboard makes proper handwashing critical in preventing and getting sick with the Covid-19.
Don’t Get Sick!
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Reference:
Neeltje van Doremalen, Ph.D., Trenton Bushmaker, B.Sc. Aerosol and Surface Stability of SARS-CoV-2 as Compared with SARS-CoV-1. March 17, 2020. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2004973
Image Credit: By CDC/ Alissa Eckert, MS; Dan Higgins, MAM – This media comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #23312.
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