Wuhan pneumonia: Can the eyes spread the virus?
So far, information about the new coronavirus from Wuhan is limited, including how easily it spreads and its severity. In many ways, it appears very similar to SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), with the new coronavirus having an 85% homology with SARS. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the primary mode of transmission is from animals to humans. However, we know that the virus can also spread from person to person, and it can be transmitted through the following three major routes:
Air (from coughing or sneezing virus particles);
Close contact (touch or handshake);
An object or surface with viral particles on it (and then touch the nose or eye before washing your hands);
The public need to wear eye masks to prevent it? Wuhan Pneumonia: Incubation period What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms are similar to the flu, with an incubation period averaging 7 to 14 days. Many people misunderstand that the virus spreads in the air, but viruses exposed in the air will also die. Only the viruses that live in droplets and are protected by moisture can spread and infect. When droplets touch mucous membranes such as the eyes, the virus will follow the mucous membranes into the body, which is the same for the novel coronavirus. Research shows that after the virus is isolated, it has been proven to have an easy binding capacity to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which mainly exists in the lower respiratory tract cells. Therefore, medical staff performing high-risk procedures such as intubation should wear masks that cover their eyes; in this environment, only those who do not wear goggles will be infected. But for us, the general public, the common route of transmission is through droplets, and wearing a mask in public places is sufficient. Since no one will sneeze directly into your eyes, there is generally no need for the public to wear goggles to prevent Wuhan pneumonia.
Wuhan pneumonia s mask wearing the most important! "Pick the nose, rub the eyes" is more likely to become a path of infection!
The virus can spread through droplets or particles. Although masks can block most viruses and prevent the saliva from others from coming out of your mouth and nose, it is still very important to clean your hands, avoid touching your face, and ensure that masks are changed regularly. You should wash your hands after touching public facilities, before eating, after using the restroom, and when you come home from outside. Thoroughly rub both palms, backs of your hands, between your fingers, and especially fingertips, for at least twenty seconds. Moreover, the virus can survive on your phone for twenty-four hours! On January 28 this year, the National Health Commission and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine announced the 'Pneumonia Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Novel Coronavirus Infections (Trial Version 4)'. The new discovery is that the virus loses its response to ultraviolet light and heat (56°C for 30 minutes); ether, 70% ethanol, chlorinated disinfectants, peracetic acid, and chloroform and other lipid solvents can effectively eliminate the live virus. Therefore, everyone is reminded to regularly use disinfectant wet wipes containing 70% alcohol concentration to wipe the phone. In addition, glasses can be contaminated with the virus, so it is advisable to clean them with hand soap. Avoid using alcohol or other cleaners with chemical properties, as they may damage the glasses.
In summary, access to high-risk locations should be kept at a distance of 1 to 1.5 metres and stayed less than 30 minutes in case of suspicious cases. Hand sanitizer should often be used to clean hands, so as not to touch the mouth, eyes and nose, eye itching, red eyes and other conjunctivitis symptoms do not take lightly, closely observe the changes in the disease, timely medical treatment.
| Five tips for preventing viral infections. |
| 1. Regularly wipe your mobile phone with a 70 % alcohol-containing disinfectant wet wipe. |
| 2. Wash your hands frequently with warm water and hand sanitizer, preferably for more than 20 seconds. |
| 3. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes and keying your nose with your hands. |
| 4. Maintain healthy living habits. |
| 5. When the symptoms of conjunctivitis such as itchy eyes, red eyes and so on should not be taken lightly, closely observe the changes in the disease, timely medical treatment. |
Dr. Tong Man Kit Ophthalmology, Hong Kong Visual EyeCentre, https://www.hkbrighteye.com/ .
